An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The least value attained (or attainable) by a function; the opposite of maximum.

Etymology (EN): From L. minimum “smallest” (thing), neuter of minimus “smallest,” superlative of → minor “smaller.”

Etymology (PE): Kaminé, from kamin superlative of kam “little, few; deficient, wanting; scarce” (Mid.Pers. kam “little, small, few,” O.Pers./Av. kamna- “small, few.”
Keh “small, little, slender” (related to kâstan, kâhidan “to decrease, lessen, diminish,” from Mid.Pers. kâhitan, kâstan, kâhênitan “to decrease, diminish, lessen;” Av. kasu- “small, little;” Proto-Iranian *kas- “to be small, diminish, lessen”) + -é nuance suffix.