minimum

Plural: minima, minimums

Noun

• the smallest possible quantity
• the point on a curve where the tangent changes from negative on the left to positive on the right
• The lowest limit.
• The smallest amount.
• A period of minimum brightness or energy intensity (of a star).
• A lower bound of a set which is also an element of that set.
• The smallest member of a batch or sample or the lower bound of a probability distribution.

Adjective

• the least possible
  • "minimum wage"

Adj

• To the lowest degree.

Examples

• "He always tries to get away with doing the minimum."
• "Please keep noise to a minimum after 11 o'clock"
• "The Maunder minimum of the Sun reportedly corresponded to a period of great cold on Earth."
• "We need a minimum of three staff members on duty at all times."
• "We prefer candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience in the field."

Synonyms

lower limit, minimal

Antonyms

maximal, maximum

Related Words

minimal, minimise, minimize