miniature definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

noun (plural min·i·a·tures)

Definition:

1. smaller version: a smaller-than-usual version of something, e.g. a very small model or a smaller version of a particular breed of animal

2. tiny painting: a very small, detailed, and well-finished painting, especially a portrait made to fit inside a locket or other piece of jewelry

3. painting of miniatures: the art of painting miniatures

4. illuminated manuscript illustration: a small picture or decorative initial in an illuminated manuscript

adjective

Definition:

smaller than usual: smaller in size or scale than others of its type

[Late 16th century. Via Italian miniatura "illumination" < Latin minium "red lead"]

in miniature on a small scale

Word History


	Red lead was used in ancient and medieval times for making a sort of red ink with which manuscripts were decorated, and so the medieval Latin verb miniare was coined from minium, "red lead," meaning "to illuminate a manuscript." Italian took this over and derived miniatura "painting, illumination" from it. It referred particularly to the small paintings in manuscripts, and, after English acquired it, it was soon broadened to refer to any "small image." Association with minute, minimum, etc. led by the early 18th century to its adjectival use for "small."