minimum

n. the smallest amount of something that is possible or needed.

n. the absolute lowest quantity or degree of something that is attainable or required.

“You need a minimum of five years of experience to apply for this job.”

“The researchers determined that a minimum of three independent trials was necessary to ensure the statistical validity of the results.”

n. the lowest level or limit that is allowed by a rule or law.

n. the lower threshold or limit established by regulation or convention.

“The government decided to raise the national minimum wage next year.”

“The legal minimum for safety standards in the construction industry was updated to reflect modern engineering practices.”

Formal

n. the lowest value in a group of numbers or a set of data.

n. the smallest member of a mathematical set or the lowest value in a probability distribution.

“The graph shows a minimum in sales during the month of February.”

“The algorithm identifies the local minimum within the dataset to determine the point of least resistance in the structural model.”

Academic · Technical

n. the time when a star is at its least bright point.

n. the period or point of lowest brightness or energy intensity in a variable star's cycle.

“The star is currently approaching its minimum, so it will look dimmer tonight.”

“Observations taken during the solar minimum revealed significant changes in the sun's magnetic field compared to periods of peak activity.”

Technical

adj. describing the smallest amount that is possible or allowed.

adj. denoting the lowest possible or permissible degree; non-gradable.

“The minimum age for entering the competition is eighteen.”

“The project was completed with minimum disruption to the local residents, despite the extensive nature of the roadworks.”