Tiniest: meaning, definitions and examples

🐜
Add to dictionary

tiniest

 

[ˈtaɪniɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

size

Extremely small in size; miniature.

Synonyms

microscopic, minuscule, minute, tiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tiniest

Used to describe the smallest possible size, often to emphasize how extremely small something is.

  • She found the tiniest crack in the wall.
  • The kitten was the tiniest of the litter.
minuscule

Used to describe something that is very small in size or degree, often to highlight insignificance.

  • The error was so minuscule that it was hardly noticeable.
  • Her contribution to the project was minuscule.
tiny

General term used to describe something very small and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

  • She held a tiny kitten in her hands.
  • The problem is just a tiny part of what we need to solve.
minute

Used to describe something extremely small, often in precise measurements or details.

  • They examined the minute details of the painting.
  • The insects were minute and hard to see.
microscopic

Used in scientific contexts to describe objects that are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.

  • Scientists discovered a microscopic organism in the water.
  • The material has microscopic pores.

Examples of usage

  • The tiniest puppy in the litter was barely bigger than a hand.
  • She wore the tiniest earrings I had ever seen.
  • The tiniest details can make a big difference in a design project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tiniest' is a superlative form of 'tiny,' meaning it's the smallest of the small.
  • It comes from the Middle English word 'tinie,' which means small or little.
  • The use of 'est' in English helps show something is the most when added to an adjective.

Nature

  • Certain species of bacteria, like Mycoplasma genitalium, are among the tiniest living organisms known, measuring only 0.2 micrometers.
  • The bumblebee bat, weighing less than 2 grams, is one of the tiniest mammals in the world.
  • Antarctic krill are tiny crustaceans that play a big role in the ocean's ecosystem despite their small size.

Science

  • In physics, the size of particles like atoms and molecules can be measured in nanometers, emphasizing that tiny objects can have significant impacts.
  • Quantum mechanics explores the behavior of subatomic particles, which are much smaller than atoms and influence chemistry and physics.
  • Researchers study tiny structures called nanostructures to develop advanced materials with unique properties.

Culture

  • In art, miniatures have been created for centuries, with artists painting tiny portraits on materials like ivory or in little books.
  • The Tiny House Movement encourages living in smaller, more efficient spaces, highlighting a cultural shift toward minimalism.
  • Literature often features tiny characters, like Thumbelina, to explore themes of being small but having a big impact.

Technology

  • Microbots, tiny robots that can perform specific tasks, are being developed for medical applications, including targeted drug delivery.
  • Transistors in modern computers are now so tiny that billions can fit on a single chip, enabling powerful technology.
  • Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale, harnessing the unique properties of the tiniest materials.

Translations

Translations of the word "tiniest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menor

🇮🇳 सबसे छोटा

🇩🇪 kleinste

🇮🇩 terkecil

🇺🇦 найменший

🇵🇱 najmniejszy

🇯🇵 最小

🇫🇷 le plus petit

🇪🇸 más pequeño

🇹🇷 en küçük

🇰🇷 가장 작은

🇸🇦 الأصغر

🇨🇿 nejmenší

🇸🇰 najmenší

🇨🇳 最小的

🇸🇮 najmanjši

🇮🇸 minnstur

🇰🇿 ең кішкентай

🇬🇪 ყველაზე პატარა

🇦🇿 ən kiçik

🇲🇽 más pequeño

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,910, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.