/ ˈmɪnətʃə(r); NAmE ; NAmE also -tʃʊr/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] very small; much smaller than usual :
miniature roses
a rare breed of miniature horses
It looks like a miniature version of James Bond's car.
■ noun
1.
a very small detailed painting, often of a person
2.
a very small copy or model of sth; a very small version of sth :
brandy miniatures (= very small bottles)
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IDIOMS
- in miniature
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: from Italian miniatura , via medieval Latin from Latin miniare illuminate, from minium red lead, vermilion (used to mark particular words in manuscripts).