Definition of minuscule

The word "minuscule" has a fascinating history. It originated in the 16th century from the Latin "minutus," meaning "small" or "tiny." In the early days of printing, printers used lowercase letters, known as "minuscules," which were written in a smaller size compared to the traditional capital letters. The term "minuscule" specifically referred to these smaller letters. As typography evolved, the term expanded to describe anything small or tiny in size or degree. Today, the word "minuscule" is used in various contexts, from describing minuscule details to referring to something with an extremely small amount or magnitude. Despite its origins in printing, the word has taken on a broader meaning, but its roots remain tied to the humble lowercase letters of the past.