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.

Source : WordNet®

minimum
     adj : the least possible; "needed to enforce minimal standards";
           "her grades were minimal"; "minimum wage"; "a minimal
           charge for the service" [syn: {minimal}] [ant: {maximal},
            {maximal}]
     n 1: the smallest possible quantity [syn: {lower limit}] [ant: {maximum}]
     2: the point on a curve where the tangent changes from negative
        on the left to positive on the right [ant: {maximum}]
     [also: {minima} (pl)]