Collins English-English Dictionary

minus ['maɪnəs]

1. 1. adj negative having a value or designating a quantity less than zero

   a minus number

2. 2. n Mathematical symbol --

3. 3. prep reduced by the subtraction of

   four minus two (written 4 -- 2)

4. 4. prep [Spoken] deprived of; lacking

   minus the trimmings, that hat would be ordinary

5. 5. adj indicating or involving subtraction

   a minus sign

6. 6. adj on the negative part of a scale or coordinate axis

   a value of minus 40°C

7. 7. adj involving a disadvantage, harm, etc

   a minus factor

8. 8. adj [postpositive] [education] slightly below the standard of a particular grade

   he received a B minus for his essay

9. 9. adj [Botany] designating the strain of a fungus that can only undergo sexual reproduction with a plus strain

10. 10. adj denoting a negative electric charge

11. 11. n short for minus sign

12. 12. n a negative quantity

13. 13. n a disadvantage, loss, or deficit

14. 14. n [Spoken] something detrimental or negative

15. 15. n [Etymology] C15: from Latin, neuter of minor