- minute (n.)
- late 14c., "sixtieth part of an hour," from O.Fr. minut, from M.L. minuta "minute, short note," from L. minuta, fem. of minutus "small, minute" (see minute (adj.)). In M.L., pars minuta prima "first small part" was used by mathematician Ptolemy for one-sixtieth of a circle, later of an hour (next in order was secunda minuta, which became second (n.)).
- minute (adj.)
- early 15c., "chopped small," from L. minutus "small," pp. of minuere "lessen," related to minor (q.v.). Meaning "very small in size or degree" is attested from 1620s. Related: Minutely.