Minute

Definition

Minute has multiple meanings, most commonly recognized as a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour. It also refers to a written record of a meeting, discussion, or speech. Additionally, it can denote something very small or of little importance.

Parts of Speech

"Minute" can function as a noun, adjective, and verb in English, each with distinct pronunciations and meanings.

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪt/
• Respelling: MIN-it (with "MIN" as in "mint" and "it" as in "sit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪt/
• Respelling: MIN-it (with "MIN" as in "mint" and "it" as in "sit")

In both dialects, "minute" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MIN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MIN-it."

Etymology

"Minute" derives from two Latin sources:

• As a unit of time, it comes from "pars minuta prima," which means "first small part." This was a phrase used to describe the first subdivision of the hour by 60 (the second by 60 being the second).
• When referring to something small or minute, it comes from "minutus," meaning "made small," the past participle of "minuere," which means "to lessen."

Derivatives

• Minutely
• Minuteman
• Minutiae
• Minute-hand
• Minuter

Synonyms

• Moment (time)
• Record (meeting)
• Tiny (small)

Antonyms

• Eternity (time)
• Forget (meeting)
• Huge (small)

Usage

Minutes are used to measure short periods of time, such as in scheduling or timing events. In written records, "minutes" refer to the official record of proceedings in meetings. As an adjective, "minute" describes something extremely small or precise.

Related Terms

• Second: A unit of time equal to one-sixtieth of a minute.
• Hour: A unit of time equal to sixty minutes.
• Minute Hand: The hand on a clock that indicates the minutes.
• Minute Marker: A point or mark indicating minutes on a clock or timer.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Minute (Noun): A unit of time equal to sixty seconds or one-sixtieth of an hour.
  • Example: "Please wait a minute while I finish this task."

• Minute (Noun): An indefinitely short period of time.
  • Example: "I'll be with you in a minute."

• Minute (Noun): The official written record of the proceedings of a meeting.
  • Example: "The secretary took minutes during the board meeting."

Adjective

• Minute (Adjective): Extremely small in size, amount, or degree.
  • Example: "The minute details of the plan were carefully reviewed."

• Minute (Adjective): Marked by close attention to very small details.
  • Example: "The scientist conducted a minute examination of the specimen."