I. ˈminə̇m noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English mynym, from Medieval Latin minima, from Latin, feminine of minimus smallest, least; in sense 2, from Medieval Latin minimus, from Latin, smallest, least; in other senses, from Latin minimus smallest, least — more at minimum
1.
a.
(1) : the note in mensural notation formerly equaling one half or one third the value of the semibreve depending upon whether imperfect or perfect time respectively and constituting sometimes the shortest note in use
(2) : half note
b. : half rest
2. usually capitalized : a member of an austere order of mendicant hermits or friars founded in the 15th century by St. Francis of Paola
3. : something very minute: as
a. : a creature or thing of the least size or consequence
b. : the smallest or least possible part or particle : jot
4. : a single downstroke in penmanship (as any of the three in the letter m )
5. : either of two units of liquid capacity equal to 1/60 fluid dram:
a. : a United States unit equivalent to 0.003759 cubic inches — see measure table
b. : a British unit equivalent to 0.003612 cubic inches — see measure table
6. : a small worker ant among ants having polymorphic workers — compare maxim
II. adjective
: of the smallest size : minute
a minim mammal which you might imprison in the finger of your glove — George Eliot
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (probably influenced by minim ) (I) of minnow
dialect : a small fish ; especially : minnow