minimum
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.min·i·mum
noun \ˈmi-nə-məm\ plural min·i·ma\-nə-mə\ or min·i·mums
Definition of MINIMUM
1
: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible
2
: the least of a set of numbers; specifically : the smallest value assumed by a continuous function defined on a closed interval
3
a : the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded b : the lowest speed allowed on a highway
— minimum adjective
See Origin of MINIMUM
Latin, neuter of minimus smallest; akin to Latin minor smaller — more at minor
First Known Use: 1674
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
minimum
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)In mathematics, a point at which the value of a function is lowest. If the value is less than or equal to all other function values, it is an absolute minimum. If it is merely less than at any nearby point, it is a relative, or local, minimum. In calculus, the derivative equals zero or does not exist at a function's minimum point. See also maximum, optimization.
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