mini-

1.
a combining form with the meanings “of a small or reduced size in comparison with others of its kind” (minicalculator; minicar; minigun); “limited in scope, intensity, or duration” (miniboom; minicourse; minirecession); (of clothing) “short, not reaching the knee” (minidress; miniskirt).
Origin
by shortening of miniature, minimal, or minimum
British Dictionary definitions for mini-

mini-

combining form
1.
smaller or shorter than the standard size: minibus, miniskirt
Word Origin
C20: from miniature and minimum
Word Origin and History for mini-

word-forming element meaning "miniature, minor," abstracted from miniature, with sense perhaps influenced by minimum.

mini- in Medicine

mini- pref.
Small; miniature: minilaparotomy.

Slang definitions & phrases for mini-

mini-

prefix

used to form nouns Small; miniature; short: minibus/minicab/minivan/minicam/mininuke/minisemester/miniskirt

[late 1930s+; fr miniature]