MINUTE (

See also:

• LAT

Lat. minutes, small; minuere, to make less)  , an adjective meaning of very small size, petty or trifling; also extremely precise . In this sense the word is pronounced mi-mite . As a substantive and pronounced minnit the word (usually in the plural) is applied to a written summary of the transactions of a meeting of a public or other body, or to a memorandum of instructions, &c . A Treasury minute in the United Kingdom is an official memorandum authorizing certain procedure . " To minute " is to draw up such a summary or memorandum . More particularly, " minute " is used of the sixtieth part of any unit); in time, of an hour; and in astronomy, geometry, geography, &c., of a degree in the measurement of a circle .