Minus

/ˈmaɪ.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
the mathematical operation of subtraction.
In math class, we learned about division and minus.
a negative quality or condition.
There is a minus to every advantage.
adjective
having a value less than zero.
The thermometer showed a minus temperature last night.
indicating subtraction in a mathematical context.
He wrote the equation with a minus sign before the second term.
preposition
used to indicate subtraction; less than.
Five minus two equals three.
used to indicate a negative quality or condition.
The event was a success, minus a few minor issues.

Etymology

From Latin minus meaning 'less' or 'smaller'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

minus the
excluding or without the stated item
minus sign
the symbol used to indicate subtraction
minus point
a negative aspect or disadvantage

Related Words

addition
the process of adding numbers together
subtraction
the operation of taking one number away from another
negative
a value less than zero

Slang Meanings

A term used informally to describe a bad aspect.
The weather was all minus today; it totally ruined our plans.
Used to express something being not great.
That movie was a total minus; I wouldn't recommend it.