“Minimal” is an adjective that means “the smallest amount,” but the noun “minim” (from the same Latin origin “minimus,” or “smallest”) has multiple (tiny) definitions. For a calligrapher, a minim is the upstroke they use to form certain lowercase letters, including “i” and “m.” For a chemist, a minim is exactly one-sixtieth of a fluid dram, but you can estimate it as one drop. And for British musicians (who use a different musical notation system than American), a minim is another name for a half note.