Minimum
/ˈmɪnɪməm/noun
The smallest amount, size, or degree possible or allowed.
Did you know?Minimum comes from Latin minimus, the superlative of parvus (“small”), and it shares a deep root with words like minute and minor — all carrying the same ancient idea of “lesser” or “smaller.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“to diminish, lessen”
Latin
Latin
minimus
“smallest, least”
Medieval Latin
Latin
minimum
“the least amount; the smallest quantity”
Late Middle English
English
minimum
“the least or smallest amount, degree, or quantity”
Modern English
English
minimum
“the smallest amount or degree allowed or possible”