MINIMAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does minimal mean? 

• MINIMAL (adjective)
  The adjective MINIMAL has 1 sense:

1. the least possible

  Familiarity information: MINIMAL used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MINIMAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The least possible

Synonyms:

minimal; minimum

Context example:

a minimal charge for the service

Similar:

borderline; marginal (of questionable or minimal quality)

negligible (so small as to be meaningless; insignificant)

nominal; token; tokenish (insignificantly small; a matter of form only ('tokenish' is informal))

stripped; stripped-down (having only essential or minimal features)

Antonym:

maximal (the greatest or most complete or best possible)

 Context examples 

Minimal interventions directed at individuals that do not involve a health care provider, such as self-help and telephone counseling.

(Minimal Contact Treatment, NCI Thesaurus)

Cannabinol exerts minimal affinity for CB1 and has a weak effect on the central nervous system.

(Cannabinol, NCI Thesaurus)

Upon administration of 5-FC, and subsequent localized conversion into 5-FU and its cytotoxic active metabolites, the tumor is specifically exposed to cytotoxic agents while the exposure to normal tissues is minimal.

(CD-expressing Bifidobacterium APS001F, NCI Thesaurus)

It is characterized by the presence of a rich collagenous stroma and spindle cells with minimal cellular atypia.

(Bone Desmoplastic Fibroma, NCI Thesaurus)

The papillary structures exhibit minimal architectural distortion and minimal atypia.

(Bladder Papillary Urothelial Neoplasm of Low Malignant Potential, NCI Thesaurus)

Minimal sedation is caused by special drugs and is used to help relieve anxiety during certain medical or surgical procedures.

(Minimal sedation, NCI Dictionary)

A cervical squamous cell carcinoma with minimal stromal invasion.

(Early Invasive Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

Some patients may present with recurrent minimal uterine bleeding.

(Cervical Endometriosis, NCI Thesaurus)

The malignant cells have abundant cytoplasm and minimal nuclear atypia.

(Cervical Verrucous Carcinoma, NCI Thesaurus)

Via beta-1 adrenoceptor of the heart, this agent induces positive inotropic effect with minimal changes in chronotropic activities or systemic vascular resistance.

(Dobutamine, NCI Thesaurus)