miniature

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From the Italian miniatura (manuscript illumination), from miniare (to illuminate), from the Latin miniāre (to colour red), from minium (red lead).

[edit] Adjective

miniature (comparative more miniature, superlative most miniature)

1. Smaller than normal.

   I find miniature dogs annoying; they seem to yap more than full-size dogs.

[edit] Derived terms

• miniature poodle
• miniaturism

[edit] Translations

In the back of Jan van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait a miniature reflexion of the scene is painted, and, surrounding it, even smaller miniatures of Christ.

[edit] Noun

miniature (plural miniatures)

1. A musical composition which is short in duration.

   Sacha composed a miniature for strings as a final project at the conservatory.

2. A small, highly detailed painting; a portrait miniature.
3. The art of painting such highly detailed miniature works.
4. A model of reduced scale.

   There was a miniature of a whaling ship in a glass bottle over the mantlepiece.

5. (gaming) A token in a game representing a unit or character.

   Jack had dozens of miniatures of Napoleanic footsoldiers painted in detailed period regalia for his wargames.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

• miniaturist

[edit] Italian

[edit] Noun

miniature f.

1. Plural form of miniatura.