late 15c., "with subtraction of," from Latin minus "less," neuter of minor "smaller," from PIE *mi-nu-, suffixed form of root *mei- (2) "small" (cognates: Latin minuere "to diminish, reduce, lessen," Greek meion "less, smaller," Old English minsian "to diminish," Sanskrit miyate "diminishes, declines," Russian men'she "less").
Mathematical use in expressions of calculation did not exist in the word in classical Latin and is probably from North Sea medieval commercial usage of Latin plus and minus to indicate surplus or deficiency of weight or measure. Origin of the "minus sign" is disputed.
minus (n.)
1650s, from minus (prep.).
双语例句
1. The star's surface temperature is reckoned to be minus 75 degrees Celsius.
这颗恒星的表面温度估计在零下75摄氏度左右。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The film company collapsed, leaving Chris jobless and minus his life savings.
电影公司垮了，克里斯没了工作，也失去了他一生的积蓄。
来自柯林斯例句
3. None of these minus points will have been mentioned.