minute1
/
ˈmɪnɪt/
n.
- a period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour.
▸informal a very short time.
-
(also arc minute or minute of arc)
a sixtieth of a degree of angular measurement.
(Symbol: ')
Phrase
- up to the minute
incorporating the very latest information or developments.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from late L. minuta, fem. (used as n.) of minutus ‘made small’; the senses ‘period of sixty seconds’ and ‘sixtieth of a degree’ derive from med. L. pars minuta prima ‘first minute part’.
minute2
/
mʌɪˈnjuːt/
adj.
(minutest)
- extremely small.
- precise and meticulous:
![]()
a minute examination.
Derivative
- minutely adv.
- minuteness n.
Etymology
ME (in the sense ‘lesser’, with ref. to a tithe or tax): from L. minutus ‘lessened’, past part. of minuere.
minute3
/
ˈmɪnɪt/
n.
-
(minutes)
a summarized record of the points discussed at a meeting.
- an official memorandum.
v.
- record or note (the points discussed at a meeting).
- send (someone) a minute.
Etymology
ME: from Fr. minute, from the notion of a rough copy in ‘small writing’ (L. scriptura minuta).
查看更多