I. min·ute ˈmi-nət noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin minuta, from Latin minutus small, from past participle of minuere to lessen — more at minor
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : the 60th part of an hour of time : 60 seconds
b. : the 60th part of a degree of angular measure
2. : the distance one can traverse in a minute
3. : a short space of time : moment
4.
a. : a brief note (as of summary or recommendation)
b. : memorandum , draft
c. plural : the official record of the proceedings of a meeting
II. minute transitive verb
( min·ut·ed ; min·ut·ing )
Date: 1601
: to make notes or a brief summary of
III. mi·nute mī-ˈnüt, mə-, -ˈnyüt adjective
( mi·nut·er ; -est )
Etymology: Latin minutus
Date: 1606
1. : very small : infinitesimal
2. : of small importance : trifling
3. : marked by close attention to details
Synonyms: see small , circumstantial
• mi·nute·ness noun