Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Language: Latin
Origin: minimus; MINIMUM2

minimal

 adjective
     
min‧i‧mal
very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible:
The storm caused only minimal damage
The cost to taxpayers would be minimal.
This is a practical course, with only a minimal amount of theory.
—minimally adverb:
Rates of truancy from school have only increased minimally.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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