Minimum

Pronunciation

Origin

From Latin minimus ("least, smallest")

Full definition of minimum

Noun

1. The lowest limit.We prefer candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience in the field.We need a minimum of 3 fully-qualified staff members on duty at all time.
2. The smallest amount.He always tries to get away with doing the minimum.Please keep noise to a minimum after 11 o'clock
3. (astronomy) A period of minimum brightness or energy intensity (of a star).
   The Maunder minimum of the Sun reportedly corresponded to a period of great cold on Earth.
4. (analysis) A lower bound of a set which is also an element of that set.
5. (statistics) The smallest member of a batch or sample or the lower bound of a probability distribution.

Usage notes

Minima is more common plural for the technical senses.

Antonyms

• maximum

Hypernyms

• (statistics) measure of location

Derived terms

Related terms

• minimize

Adjective

1. To the lowest degree.