minutiae

American  

[mi-noo-shee-ee, -nyoo-, mi-noo-shuh, -shee-uh] / mɪˈnu ʃiˌi, -ˈnyu-, mɪˈnu ʃə, -ʃi ə /

plural noun

singular

minutia

1. precise details; small or trifling matters.

   the minutiae of his craft.

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minutiae British  

/ mɪˈnjuːʃɪˌiː /

plural noun

1. small, precise, or trifling details

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Usage

Minutia, the singular form meaning “a precise detail; a small or trifling matter” is much less common than the plural. However, this singular form is often used in place of the plural form minutiae , with the same plural meaning and plural verb: She has a great facility for remembering minutia that are relevant to the conversation. And the plural form minutiae is sometimes used as a collective noun with a singular verb: The minutiae of daily life is the stuff that anchors us and gives us a sense of purpose. Both of these usages have been criticized in style guides.

Other Word Forms

• minutial adjective

Etymology

Origin of minutiae

First recorded in 1745–55; from Latin, plural of minūtia “smallness, fineness,” equivalent to minūt(us) “small, tiny” + -ia; minute ², -ia

Example Sentences

There were ninety-nine guidelines, all of which we had to memorize, governing the minutiae of inmate life.

From Literature

At Base Camp he pored over reams of computer printouts detailing logistical minutiae: menus, spare parts, tools, medicines, communications hardware, load-hauling schedules, yak availability.

From Literature

The cast was made up of D-list television stars who cheerfully spouted corporate propaganda while relating the minutiae of lOI’s indenturement policy.

From Literature

I hadn’t forgotten how gratifying it could be to tick through the minutiae of a shopping list.

From Literature

Who would have dreamed, though, that the easily willed minutiae of their daily actions could amass so — solidifying, mountainous, beyond their control?

From Literature

Related Words

• trivia