Also called relative minimum, local minimum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is less than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point.
The sea-ice minimum this year was the third lowest on record.
In fact, he suggested, the minimum amount of metal needed for planets to be born might be far lower than commonly believed.
Sure a goal to get cars to that minimum amount is probably a good idea.
Science, however, should be premised on the minimum amount of variables possible for the experiment.
At that point your kinetic energy is at a minimum- but your potential energy is at a maximum.
It has to find a minimum hypothesis to cover a maximum amount of data.
Economists have hotly debated the employment effects of the minimum wage.
In my way of thinking, it's not a good sign when a school asks for a minimum salary requirement.
The report suggested that certain brain features are minimum requirements for the development of flight.
There should not even be a minimum wage in my opinion.
British Dictionary definitions for minimum
minimum
/ˈmɪnɪməm/
noun (pl) -mums, -ma (-mə)
1.
the least possible amount, degree, or quantity
2.
the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached: the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°
3.
(modifier) being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc: minimum age
4.
(maths) a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value
adjective
5.
of or relating to a minimum or minimums
Word Origin
C17: from Latin: smallest thing, from minimus least
Word Origin and History for minimum
n.
1660s, "smallest portion into which matter is divisible," from Latin minimum "smallest" (thing), neuter of minimus "smallest, least," superlative of minor "smaller" (see minor). Meaning "least amount attainable" is from 1670s.