/ ˈmɪnɪməm; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
[ usually before noun ] ( abbr. min. ) the smallest that is possible or allowed; extremely small :
a minimum charge / price
the minimum age for retirement
The work was done with the minimum amount of effort.
OPP maximum
► min·imum adverb :
You'll need £200 minimum for your holiday expenses.
■ noun ( pl. min·ima / -mə; NAmE /) [ C , usually sing. ]
1.
( abbr. min. ) the smallest or lowest amount that is possible, required or recorded :
costs should be kept to a minimum .
The class needs a minimum of six students to continue.
As an absolute minimum , you should spend two hours in the evening studying.
Temperatures will fall to a minimum of 10 degrees.
2.
[ sing. ] an extremely small amount :
He passed the exams with the minimum of effort.
OPP maximum
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from Latin , neuter of minimus least.