Minute

(min'it.) [From L. minutus, small.] (Math.) The 60th part of the degree of a circle, and denoted thus ('), as a second or 60th part of a minute is by ("). - (Horol.) The 60th part of an hour, consisting of 60 seconds: thus we often speak of minutes and moments in order to convey a meaning of time indefinitely short. -(Diplomatics.) A short memoir or sketch of a subject taken in writing; or a note to preserve the memory of something. [s. 605]