Etymology Map
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Minus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means with the subtraction of

Where does the word "minus" come from? It comes from Latin minus, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
minus
Latin · ancient
"less"
neuter of 'minor', smaller
2
Stage 2 of 2
minus
English · 1400s
"less"
the minus sign − dates from the late 1400s
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Minus’s story begins in Latin: minus meant “less.” Neuter of 'minor', smaller. It reached English by 1400s as minus. The minus sign − dates from the late 1400s. Today, minus means with the subtraction of.