Minutest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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minutest

[mษชหˆnjuหtษ™st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

extremely small

Minutest refers to the smallest or most insignificant part of something. It often describes details that are so small they can be easily overlooked. The term suggests a level of precision and attention to the tiniest aspects.

Synonyms

infinitesimal, microscopic, tiny.

Examples of usage

  • He noticed the minutest details in the painting.
  • The scientist required the minutest measurements for the experiment.
  • She contributed the minutest efforts towards the project's success.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, the minutest particles are quarks, which are fundamental components of matter.
  • Scientists use advanced technology to observe minutest organisms, like bacteria, invisible to the naked eye.
  • In measurement, the minutest change can significantly impact experiments, demonstrating the importance of precision.

Literature

  • In poetry, authors often focus on minutest details to evoke strong imagery and emotions, enhancing the reader's experience.
  • Classic literature sometimes uses minutest observations of characters' behaviors to reveal deeper psychological truths.
  • The term is employed in literary criticism to highlight the importance of subtlety and detail in a narrative's development.

Technology

  • Advancements in microscopy allow us to explore minutest structures, like cells and their organelles.
  • In computing, the minutest error in code can lead to significant software issues, emphasizing the need for accuracy.
  • Nanotechnology works at the minutest scales, manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular level for innovative applications.

Origin of 'minutest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'minutus,' meaning 'small' or 'little.'
  • It evolved in Middle English where 'minute' referred to both time and size, showing how tiny things are important.
  • The adjective 'minutest' emphasizes the extreme degree of smallness, often used in scientific contexts.

The word 'minutest' is derived from the word 'minute,' which comes from the Latin 'minutus,' meaning 'small.' The term has its roots in Middle English, where it was used to refer to something little or insignificant. Over time, 'minute' evolved to also take on the meanings related to detail and precision, leading to the formation of 'minutest' as a superlative form. This reflects the evolution of language as it adapted to describe ever smaller distinctions in size and detail, particularly in scientific and artistic contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,563, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.