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| mi·nus [ mnəss ] |
preposition |
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| Definition: |
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1. less: reduced by the subtraction of a number
  Seven minus four is three.
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2. without: lacking in or deprived of something
He came minus his tools, so he couldn't do much work.
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. showing subtraction: relating to or showing subtraction
a minus sign
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2. less than zero: relating to or showing a value less than zero
temperatures of minus 20 degrees
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3. having detrimental effect: having a negative or detrimental effect
a minus factor
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4. slightly below standard level: used in grading or evaluating something to show that it is slightly below the average standard indicated by a particular symbol
a grade of C minus
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noun (plural mi·nus·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. mathematics
Same as minus sign
The minus shows that it's a subtraction.
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2. negative quantity: a quantity below zero
If we take that away we're left with a minus.
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3. disadvantage: something that is detrimental or disadvantageous
The power problem may prove to be a minus.
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| [15th century. < Latin< minor "less"] |
