Miniature
/ˈmɪn.i.ə.tʃər/noun
A very small version of something, especially a replica or model.
Did you know?The term 'miniature' has roots in the Latin word 'miniare', which means 'to color with red lead', invoking images of ancient artists bringing their canvases to life with magic!
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
minutus
“small, diminished”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
miniatura
“a small, illuminated manuscript (derived from the act of coloring with red lead)”
Old French
Old French
miniature
“a small painting or illustration, particularly in a manuscript”
16th Century
English
miniature
“a small representation or model of something, often used in art”
Modern English
English
miniature
“refers broadly to any small-scale version of an object.”