Definition

Noun: 1. The smallest finger or toe: Specifically, the fifth and outermost digit of the hand (little finger) or foot (little toe). In anatomical terminology, it refers to the digit located at the ulnar side of the hand or the lateral side of the foot. 2. A person or thing of the smallest size or least importance: Used figuratively to denote the smallest or least significant member of a group.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Anatomical):
  • He injured the minimus on his right foot while playing soccer.
  • The muscle responsible for abducting the little finger is called the abductor digiti minimi.
• Noun (Figurative):
  • In the hierarchy of the club, he was considered the minimus, with no real authority.

Advanced Usage

• "Musculus abductor digiti minimi": The formal Latin name for the muscle that moves the little finger or little toe away from the other digits.
• "Digitus minimus": The formal Latin term for the fifth digit (little finger or little toe).

Variants and Related Words

• Minimal (adj): Of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible. (e.g., )
• Minimize (verb): To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree. (e.g., )
• Minimum (noun): The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Little finger: (Specifically for the hand)
• Little toe: (Specifically for the foot)
• Fifth digit: (General anatomical term)
• Pinky: (Informal, for the finger)

Antonyms

• Pollex: (The thumb, or first digit of the hand)
• Hallux: (The big toe, or first digit of the foot)

Noun

1. the fifth digit; the little finger or little toe