Minim

min′im, n. ( med. ) the smallest liquid measure, a drop, 1 ⁄ 60 drachm: ( mus. ) a note (formerly the shortest) equal to two crotchets: ( Milt. ) a diminutive creature: one of an austere order of mendicant friars founded about the middle of the 15th century by St Francis of Paola in Calabria (1416-1507)—called Minims (L. minim i , the least) to humble them even below the Francis cans ( Friars minor ).— adj. Min′imal .— v.t. Min′imise , to reduce to the smallest po ible proportions: to treat slightingly.— ns. Minim′itude , Minimisā′tion ; Min′imum , the least quantity or degree po ible—opp. of Maximum : a trifle:— pl. Min′ima ; Min′imus ( Shak. ), a being of the smallest size.— Minimum and Maximum thermometer (see Thermometer ). [Fr. mini me —L. minimus , minima , the smallest.]