minimum

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪməm/

noun (plural minima /-mə/ or minimums)

[usually in singular]
  • the least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required: keep costs to a minimum they checked visas with the minimum of fuss
  • the lowest or smallest amount of a varying quantity (e.g. temperature) allowed, attained, or recorded: clients with a minimum of £500,000 to invest

adjective

[attributive]
  • smallest or lowest: this can be done with the minimum amount of effort

Phrases

at a (or the) minimum

at the very least: we zipped along at a minimum of 55 mph

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin, neuter of minimus 'least'

Spelling help

The plural of minimum can be spelled either minima (as in the original Latin) or minimums.