mini /m I ni/ (minis ) N‑COUNT A mini is the same as a mini-skirt .
PREFIX mini-
forms nouns that refer to things that are a smaller version of something else. For example, a minibus is a small bus.
minia|ture /m I n I tʃə r , [AM ] m I niətʃʊr/ (miniatures )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Miniature is used to describe something which is very small, especially a smaller version of something which is normally much bigger. □ …miniature roses. □ He looked like a miniature version of his handsome and elegant big brother.
2 PHRASE If you describe one thing as another thing in miniature , you mean that it is much smaller in size or scale than the other thing, but is otherwise exactly the same. □ Ecuador provides a perfect introduction to South America; it's a continent in miniature.
3 N‑COUNT A miniature is a very small detailed painting, often of a person.
4 N‑COUNT A miniature is a very small bottle of strong alcohol such as whisky or brandy, and usually contains enough for one or two drinks.
minia|tur|ize /m I n I tʃəra I z/ (miniaturizes , miniaturizing , miniaturized ) in BRIT, also use miniaturise VERB If you miniaturize something such as a machine, you produce a very small version of it. □ [V n] …the problems of further miniaturizing the available technologies. □ [V -ed] …miniaturized amplifiers and receivers. ● minia|turi|za|tion /m I n I tʃəra I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …increasing miniaturization in the computer industry.
mini|bar /m I nibɑː r / (minibars ) N‑COUNT In a hotel room, a minibar is a small fridge containing alcoholic drinks.
mi ni-break (mini-breaks ) N‑COUNT A mini-break is a short holiday. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ]
mini|bus /m I nibʌs/ (minibuses ) also mini-bus N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A minibus is a large van which has seats in the back for passengers, and windows along its sides.
mini|cab /m I nikæb/ (minicabs ) also mini-cab N‑COUNT A minicab is a taxi which you have to arrange to pick you up by phone. [BRIT ] □ If you want a cheap ride, take a minicab.
mini|cam /m I nikæm/ (minicams ) N‑COUNT A minicam is a very small television camera.
mini|dish /m I nid I ʃ/ (minidishes ) N‑COUNT A minidish is a small satellite dish that can receive signals from communications satellites for media such as television programmes and the internet.
min|im /m I n I m/ (minims ) N‑COUNT A minim is a musical note that has a time value equal to two crotchets or two quarter notes. [BRIT ] in AM, use half note
mini|mal /m I n I m ə l/ ADJ Something that is minimal is very small in quantity, value, or degree. □ The co-operation between the two is minimal. □ One aim of these reforms is effective defence with minimal expenditure.
mini|mal|ism /m I n I məl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Minimalism is a style in which a small number of very simple things are used to create a particular effect. □ In her own home, she replaced austere minimalism with cosy warmth and colour.
mini|mal|ist /m I n I məl I st/ (minimalists )
1 N‑COUNT A minimalist is an artist or designer who uses minimalism. □ He was influenced by the minimalists in the 1970s.
2 ADJ Minimalist is used to describe ideas, artists, or designers that are influenced by minimalism. □ The two designers settled upon a minimalist approach.
mini|mal|istic /m I n I məl I st I k/ ADJ A minimalistic style is simple and plain, without any decoration. □ The modern trend is minimalistic with simple, square components.
mini|mize /m I n I ma I z/ (minimizes , minimizing , minimized ) in BRIT, also use minimise 1 VERB If you minimize a risk, problem, or unpleasant situation, you reduce it to the lowest possible level, or prevent it increasing beyond that level. □ [be V -ed] Many of these problems can be minimised by sensible planning.
2 VERB If you minimize something, you make it seem smaller or less significant than it really is. □ [V n] Some have minimized the importance of ideological factors.
3 VERB If you minimize a window on a computer screen, you make it very small, because you do not want to use it. □ [V n] Click the square icon again to minimize the window.
mini|mum ◆◇◇ /m I n I məm/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use minimum to describe an amount which is the smallest that is possible, allowed, or required. □ He was only five feet nine, the minimum height for a policeman. □ …a rise in the minimum wage. ● N‑SING Minimum is also a noun. □ [+ of ] This will take a minimum of one hour. □ Four foot should be seen as an absolute minimum.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use minimum to state how small an amount is. □ The basic needs of life are available with minimum effort. □ Neil and Chris try to spend the minimum amount of time on the garden. ● N‑SING Minimum is also a noun. □ With a minimum of fuss, she produced the grandson he had so desperately wished for.
3 ADV If you say that something is a particular amount minimum , you mean that this is the smallest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a larger amount is acceptable or very possible. □ You're talking over a thousand pounds minimum for one course.
4 PHRASE You use at a minimum , or at the minimum , when you want to indicate that something is the very least which could or should happen. □ This would take three months at a minimum.