I. ˈmin(ē)əˌchu̇(ə)r, -u̇ə, -_chə(r), -nichə(r), -nēchə(r) also -ˌtu̇-, -.ˌtyu̇- sometimes -nyəˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian miniatura picture on a small scale, art of manuscript illumination, from miniato (past participle of miniare to illuminate a manuscript) (from Latin miniatus, past participle of miniare to color with cinnabar or red lead) + -ura -ure
1. : a representation on a much reduced scale : a small copy or image
turned the valley into a lush miniature of the Imperial Valley across the border — Marion Wilhelm
a miniature of the … headquarters store in its capacity to meet every grade of customer — McKenzie Porter
2. : a drawing or painting included in a book or manuscript especially of the medieval period : illumination
3. : the art of painting miniatures
4. : a portrait or other painting done on a very small scale (as on ivory or metal)
the art of portrait miniatures was originated in England — Louise H. Burchfield
5. : a chess problem with few (as seven or fewer) chessmen
6. : a set or model built on a reduced scale that appears to be of normal size when photographed (as in the movies or television)
7. : a small camera
8. : miniature sheet
9. also miniature rose : fairy rose
10. : a production (as in literature or music) of short length or restricted scope
•
- in miniature
II. adjective
1. : being or represented on a small scale
miniature reproductions
a miniature book
a miniature war
2. : of or relating to still photography in which film 35 millimeters wide or smaller is used
a miniature camera
a miniature negative
Synonyms: see small
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to represent in a small compass or on a small scale
this round orb … miniatures the world — New Monthly Magazine