minimum

Where does the word "minimum" come from? It comes from Latin minimus, and was adopted directly into English (1660s).

Minimum’s story begins in Latin: minimus meant “smallest.” Smallest, the superlative of parvus (small). It reached English by 1660s as minimum. Latin 'smallest', neuter of 'minimus'; the minimum wage was introduced in New Zealand in 1894. Today, minimum means the smallest amount, value, or degree possible.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient minimus "smallest", smallest, the superlative of parvus (small).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1660s minimum "the smallest possible amount or degree", Latin 'smallest', neuter of 'minimus'; the minimum wage was introduced in New Zealand in 1894.