1.minimum用作名词的基本意思是可能的、许可的或可记录的“最低限度,最小量”。
2.minimum有两种复数形式,即minima和minimums,在非正式英语中后者较常用。

This price is his minimum; he refuses to lower it any further.这个价格是他开的最低价,他拒绝再作任何降价。
He smokes a minimum of ten cigarettes a day.他一天最少吸10支烟。
Cost must be kept to a minimum.必须把开支维持在最低限度。
When we are asleep, the rate of breathing is at a minimum because the need for oxygen is then very small.当我们睡着时,呼吸次数减少,因为人睡着时对氧气的需求量很小。

用作定语
▲～+n.
He couldn't join the army, because he was below the minimum height allowed by the rules.他不能参军,因他的身高达不到规定的最低标准。
What is the minimum price?最低价是多少?
Today's minimum temperature is 10℃.今天的最低气温是10℃。
20p is the minimum fare on buses.公共汽车的最低票价是20便士。

［反义词］ n.  maximum adj. least, lowest
［词源］＜拉丁语minimus(最小,最少)