Definition of minute

The word "minute" has its origin in Latin. In Latin, "minuus" means "less" or "smaller," and "minutus" means "cut short" or "dwelled on." The Latin word "minutus" was used to describe something that was detailed or well-written, as in a written record that was carefully recorded. The word "minute" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French, where it was spelled "minute" and had the meaning "small" or "insignificant." Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word "minute" evolved, and by the 16th century, it was being used to describe a unit of time equal to 60 seconds. Today, the word "minute" refers to a unit of time or a detailed account of something, and it is commonly used in contexts such as scheduling, recording, and communication.