minute
UK: ˈmɪnɪt | US: ˈmɪnɪt
n. a unit of time equal to 60 seconds
n. a very short period of time
adj. extremely small in size or degree
The word "minute" originates from the Latin "minutus," meaning "small" or "diminished." It entered Middle English via Old French "minut," initially referring to a small portion of time (1/60th of an hour). The adjective form ("extremely small") emerged later, retaining the root's original sense of smallness. The suffix "-ute" serves as a noun-forming ending in this context.
Wait a minute—I need to tie my shoe.
The meeting will start in five minutes.
She noticed minute cracks in the porcelain.
The scientist studied the specimen under a microscope to observe its minute details.
His contribution made only a minute difference to the overall result.