Mínimo

Mínimo is a Spanish term that functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it denotes the smallest or lowest in amount, degree, or extent, and agrees in gender and number (mínimo, mínima, mínimos, mínimas). As a noun, el mínimo or la mínima refers to the smallest value in a set or range, for example el mínimo de la función or el salario mínimo.

Etymology and usage notes: the word derives from Latin minimus, the superlative of parvus (small). In Spanish, the accent marks appear on the first syllable of the two-syllable form and mark the stressed pronunciation. The term is widely used across disciplines and everyday language.

In mathematics and related fields: mínimo describes the smallest point of a function’s range over a given domain. It can be a local minimum or a global (absolute) minimum. In calculus, a minimum occurs at points where the derivative is zero and the second derivative is positive under appropriate conditions. In statistics, the term appears as the minimum value of a sample or dataset. In computer science and data processing, the minimum operator returns the smallest of a set of values.

In everyday language: mínimo is common in phrases such as nivel mínimo, temperatura mínima, precio mínimo, or salario mínimo. These usages indicate lower bounds or thresholds in practical, economic, and social contexts. The feminine and plural forms (mínima, mínimas) are used when referring to feminine nouns or multiple items. See also máximo, the corresponding concept for the greatest value.