Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Minimum \Min"i*mum\, n.; pl. {Minima}. [L., fr. minimus. See
   {Minim}.]
   The least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible, in a
   given case; hence, a thing of small consequence; -- opposed
   to {maximum}.

   {Minimum thermometer}, a thermometer for recording the lowest
      temperature since its last adjustment.