Pronunciation: [ma͡ɪnjˈuːtnəs] (IPA) 
The word "minuteness" is spelled with double "n" in the middle because it comes from the word "minute," meaning small or tiny. The spelling of "minute" is derived from Latin "minutus," which means small or minute. In IPA transcription, the word "minuteness" is pronounced /ˈmɪnʊtnəs/. The stress is on the second syllable, and the last syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound (əs) followed by a voiced consonant (n).
Minuteness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being minute or extremely small, tiny, or insignificant. It is derived from the adjective "minute," which comes from the Latin word "minutus," meaning "small" or "diminutive."
In a literal sense, minuteness can describe physical objects or details that are extremely small in size or scale. It implies a level of precision and fine detail, often associated with intricate or delicate things. For instance, a jeweler might use a microscope to examine the minuteness of a diamond to assess its quality and clarity.
Metaphorically, minuteness can also be used to describe ideas, concepts, or actions that are characterized by their smallness, insignificance, or lack of importance in the grand scheme of things. These may be considered trivial or negligible, having little impact or value. For example, someone might dismiss a minor typo in a document as a mere minuteness compared to the overall content and meaning of the text.
Overall, minuteness denotes a quality of being tiny, intricate, or unimportant, depending on the context in which it is used. It encompasses both a literal and figurative realm, describing both physical and abstract elements in relation to their small size, detailed nature, or limited significance.
Smallness; slenderness; great exactness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "minuteness" is derived from the adjective "minute", which comes from the Latin word "minutus", meaning "small" or "tiny". It entered the English language in the 15th century and originally referred to something small in size or scale. Over time, its meaning expanded to include precise or detailed aspects, leading to the noun form "minuteness", which refers to the quality of being small or detailed.
