(min′it) noun
1. The 60th part of an hour; also, a moment; hence, any short, indefinite period of time.
2. The 60th part of a degree: a unit of angular measure indicated by the sign(′), and called a minute of arc.
3. A brief note or summary in writing of something to be remembered; memorandum; specifically, in the plural, an official record of the proceedings of any deliberative body.
—v.t. ·ut·ed, ·ut·ing
1. To make a minute or brief note of; record.
2. To time to the minute. [<F <Med. L minuta (pars) small (part), minute <L minutus small]

(mī·nt′, -nyt′, mi-) adjective
1. Exceedingly small; hence, unimportant; trifling.
2. Attending to small things; critically careful; very exact. [<L minutus small, little, orig. pp. of minuere lessen]
—mi·nute′ness noun Synonyms: circumstantial, comminuted, critical, detailed, diminutive, exact, fine, little, particular, precise, slender, tiny. That is minute which is of exceedingly limited dimensions, as a grain of dust. That which is broken up into minute particles is said to be comminuted; things may be termed fine which would not be termed comminuted; as, fine sand; fine gravel; but, in using an adverb, we say a substance is finely comminuted. An account extended to very minute particulars is circumstantial, detailed, particular, and examination so extended is critical, exact, precise. See FINE, LITTLE, PRECISE, SMALL. Antonyms: see synonyms for LARGE.