[small] adj [ME smal, fr. OE smael; akin to OHG smal small, Gk melon small domestic animal] (bef. 12c) 1 a: having comparatively little size or slight dimensions b: lowercase
2. a: minor in influence, power, or rank b: operating on a limited scale
3: lacking in strength "a ~ voice"
4. a: little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity, amount, or value) b: made up of few or little units
5. a: of little consequence: trivial, insignificant b: humble, modest "a ~ beginning"
6: limited in degree
7. a: mean, petty b: reduced to a humiliating position -- small.ish adj -- small.ness n syn small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number "a relatively small backyard". little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity "your pathetic little smile". diminutive implies abnormal smallness "diminutive bonsai plants". minute implies extreme smallness "a minute amount of caffeine in the soda". tiny is an informal equivalent to minute "tiny cracks formed in the painting". miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale "a dollhouse complete with miniature furnishings".
[2]small adv (bef. 12c) 1: in or into small pieces
2: without force or loudness "speak as ~ as you will --Shak."
3: in a small manner [3]small n (14c) 1: a part smaller and esp. narrower than the remainder "the ~ of the back"
2. a pl: small-sized products b pl, chiefly Brit: smallclothes; esp: underwear