minuscule
UK/'minәskju:l/US
TOEFLGREC2
Definitions
adj.
Extremely small; tiny.
极小的，微小的。
n.
A lowercase letter (as opposed to a capital).
小写字母。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin minusculus, a little diminutive of minus ('less') — literally 'rather small.' It first named the small (lowercase) script medieval scribes used, then generalized to mean 'extremely tiny.' Note the spelling: minus-cule, not 'mini-scule' — a very common misspelling.
Root minu still carries 49 more wordsUsage Guide
Spelling trap: it is minuscule (from minus), NOT 'miniscule' — although the mini- misspelling is now extremely common. In careful/formal writing, keep the 's'.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The chances of winning are minuscule.
- 2.
Medieval texts were copied in a neat minuscule.