Minimum | Mean of minimum in English Dictionary

/ˈmɪnəməm/

• Noun
• the lowest number or amount that is possible or allowed
1. Ten years is the minimum needed. = We'll need 10 years at a/the minimum. [=we'll need at least 10 years]
2. We need to keep expenses to a (bare) minimum. [=we need to keep expenses as low as possible]
3. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of two hours. [=for at least two hours]
4. She will serve a minimum of 10 years in jail.
• least or lowest possible in amount or degree
1. They made the repairs with minimum [=minimal] disruption to the schedule.
2. What are the minimum requirements for the job?
3. minimum height/weight
4. The minimum sentence for her crime is 10 years.
5. a minimum security prison [=a prison in which prisoners are allowed more freedom than in most other prisons because they are not considered dangerous or likely to escape]
• at the least
1. She will serve 10 years minimum. [=the least amount of time she will serve is 10 years]