minus

[ mahy-nuhs ]

preposition

1. less by the subtraction of; decreased by:

   Ten minus six is four.

2. lacking or without:

   a book minus its title page.

adjective

1. involving or noting subtraction.
2. algebraically negative:

   a minus quantity.

3. less than; just below in quality:

   to get a C minus on a test.

4. Informal. having negative qualities or characteristics; inferior.
5. Mycology. (in heterothallic fungi) designating, in the absence of morphological differentiation, one of the two strains of mycelia that unite in the sexual process.

noun

1. minus sign.
2. a minus quantity.
3. a deficiency or loss.
4. Informal. a person or thing with no apparent abilities, usefulness, etc.:

   The last applicant was a definite minus.

minus

/ ˈmaɪnəs /

preposition

1. reduced by the subtraction of

   four minus two (written 4 – 2)

2. informal.
   deprived of; lacking

   minus the trimmings, that hat would be ordinary

adjective

1. 1. indicating or involving subtraction

      a minus sign

   2. Alsonegative having a value or designating a quantity less than zero

      a minus number

2. on the negative part of a scale or coordinate axis

   a value of minus 40°C

3. involving a disadvantage, harm, etc

   a minus factor

4. postpositive education slightly below the standard of a particular grade

   he received a B minus for his essay

5. botany designating the strain of a fungus that can only undergo sexual reproduction with a plus strain
6. denoting a negative electric charge

noun

1. short for minus sign
2. a negative quantity
3. a disadvantage, loss, or deficit
4. informal.
   something detrimental or negative

Word History and Origins

Origin of minus¹

1300–50; Middle English < Latin, neuter of minor less; minor

Word History and Origins

Origin of minus¹

C15: from Latin, neuter of minor

Example Sentences

Temperatures are expected to fall to minus 3C overnight with challenging conditions expected for the rest of the week, including snow, ice and freezing rain.

From BBC

The early hours of Monday saw the coldest temperatures since last winter, with minus 7.8C logged in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland.

From BBC

Temperatures could drop as low as minus 8C in parts of central and eastern Scotland - so don't forget to wrap up, if you're heading outside!

From BBC

They are minus 23 from the final quarter.

From BBC

He was soccer’s version of Bill Walton, minus the tie-dyed T-shirts and penchant for listening to the Grateful Dead.

From Los Angeles Times