adj., n., & v.
adj. 1 much smaller than normal. 2 represented on a small scale.
n. 1 any object reduced in size. 2 a small-scale minutely finished portrait. 3 this branch of painting (portrait in miniature). 4 a picture or decorated letters in an illuminated manuscript.
v.tr. represent on a smaller scale. in miniature on a small scale. miniature camera a camera producing small negatives. miniaturist n. (in senses 2 and 3 of n.).
[ It. miniatura f. med.L miniatura f. L miniare rubricate, illuminate f. L minium red lead, vermilion ]