mi·nus / ˈmīnəs/ • prep. 1. with the subtraction of: what's ninety-three minus seven? ∎ inf. lacking; deprived of: he was minus a finger on each hand.2. (of temperature) below zero: minus 10° Fahrenheit.• adj. 1. (before a number) below zero; negative: minus five.2. (after a grade) slightly worse than: my lowest grade was a B minus.3. having a negative electric charge.• n. 1. short for minus sign. ∎  a mathematical operation of subtraction.2. a disadvantage: for every plus with this equipment there can be a minus.

minus with the deduction of XV; verbal rendering of the sign — XVI; (electr.) negative(ly) XVIII. — L. ‘less’, n. of minor (see MINOR) used as adv.