- minus
- 1481, "with subtraction of," from L. minus "less," neut. of minor "smaller," from PIE *mi-nu-, from base *mei- "small" (cf. Skt. miyate "diminishes, declines," Gk. meion "less, smaller," Rus. men'she "less," O.E. minsian "to diminish"). Mathematical use in expressions of calculation did not exist in classical L., and is probably from North Sea medieval commercial usage of L. plus and minus to indicate surplus or deficiency of weight or measure.