minimal

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪm(ə)l/

adjective

  • 1of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible: the aircraft suffered minimal damage production costs are minimal
  • 2 Art characterized by the use of simple forms or structures, especially geometric or massive ones.
  • characterized by simplicity and lack of adornment or decoration: minimal, simple evening dresses in luxurious fabrics
  • 3 Music characterized by the repetition and gradual alteration of short phrases.
  • 4 Linguistics (of a pair of forms) distinguished by only one feature: ‘p’ and ‘b’ are a minimal pair, distinguished by the feature of voicing

Derivatives

minimally

adverb

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin minimus 'smallest' + -al