minus

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmʌɪnəs/

preposition

  • 1with the subtraction of: what’s ninety three minus seven?
  • informal lacking; deprived of: he was minus a finger on each hand
  • 2(of temperature) below zero by: minus 40 degrees centigrade

adjective

  • 1(before a number) below zero; negative: minus five
  • 2(after a grade) rather worse than: C minus
  • 3having a negative electric charge.

noun

  • 2a disadvantage: for every plus with this equipment there can be a minus

Origin:

late 15th century: from Latin, neuter of minor 'less'