Definition

1. Noun:
   • A musical note having the time value of half a whole note: In musical notation, a minim is a note represented by a hollow oval head and a stem, lasting for two beats in common time.
   • A unit of liquid capacity:

     • In the US Customary system, a minim is equal to 1/60 of a fluid dram.
     • In the British Imperial system, a minim is equal to 1/60 of a fluid dram, or approximately 0.059194 cubic centimeters.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Musical Note):
  • The melody begins with a sustained minim on middle C.
  • In this bar, you need to hold the minim for two full beats.
• Noun (Liquid Measure):
  • The old recipe called for three minims of tincture.
  • Historically, apothecaries used minims for precise liquid measurements.

Advanced Usage

• "Minim rest": A rest (silence) of the same duration as a minim note.
  • The phrase ends with a minim rest.

Variants and Related Words

• Minimize (verb): To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree. (Note: This is a distinct word related to the concept of 'minimum', not directly to the units of measure or music).
• Minimum (noun/adjective): The least or smallest amount or quantity possible.

Synonyms

• (Musical Note): Half note (US English equivalent).
• (Liquid Measure): There is no common synonym; it is a specific unit.

Related Phrases

• Not applicable: The word "minim" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs or idioms.

Noun

1. a musical note having the time value of half a whole note
2. a United States liquid unit equal to 1/60 fluidram
3. a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 1/60th fluid dram or 0.059194 cubic centimeters