First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1minus
preposition mi·nus \ˈmī-nəs\
—used to indicate that one number or amount is being subtracted from another
: not having (something)
Full Definition of MINUS
1
: diminished by : less <seven minus four is three>
2
: deprived of : without <minus his hat>
See minus defined for English-language learners
See minus defined for kids
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Origin of MINUS
Middle English, from Latin minus, adverb, less, from neuter of minor smaller — more at minor
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
2minus
noun
: a problem or disadvantage
Full Definition of MINUS
1
: a negative quantity
2
: a negative quality; especially : drawback
See minus defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MINUS
1708
Related to MINUS
- Synonyms
- debit, disbenefit, downside, drawback, handicap, incommodity, liability, disadvantage, negative, strike
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
3minus
adjective
: having a value that is below zero
Full Definition of MINUS
1
: algebraically negative <a minus quantity> <minus ten degrees>
2
: having a negative quality
3
: relating to or being a particular one of the two mating types that are required for successful fertilization in sexual reproduction in some lower plants (as a fungus)
4
: falling low in a specified range <B minus>
See minus defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MINUS
1776
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
MINUS Defined for Kids
1minus
preposition mi·nus \ˈmī-nəs\
Definition of MINUS for Kids
1
: with the subtraction of : less <7 minus 4 is 3.>
2
: 1without 2 <I went outside minus my hat.>
2minus
adjective
Definition of MINUS for Kids
1
: having a value that is below zero <The temperature was minus 15.>
2
: located in the lower part of a range <a grade of C minus>
Medical Dictionary
minus
adjective mi·nus \ˈmī-nəs\
Medical Definition of MINUS
: relating to or being one of the two mating types required for successful fertilization in sexual reproduction in some lower plants (as a fungus)—compare plus
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