minus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated
    subtraction.
    • the subtraction of three from four leaves one
    • four minus three equals one
  2. adjective on the negative side or lower end of a scale
    • minus 5 degrees
    • a grade of B minus
  3. adjective satellite involving disadvantage or harm
    negative.
    • minus (or negative) factors

WordNet

Mi"nus adjective
Etymology
L. See Minor, and cf. Mis- pref. from the French.
Definitions
  1. (Math.) Less; requiring to be subtracted; negative; as, a minus quantity.

Webster 1913