minimax

English

Etymology

Blend of mini(mum) +‎ max(imum).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmɪn.ɪˌmæks/, /-.əˌ-/

Noun

minimax (plural minimaxes)

1. (decision theory, game theory) A decision rule used for minimizing the maximum possible loss, or maximizing the minimum gain.

Alternative forms

• minmax

Derived terms

• Courant minimax principle

Verb

minimax (third-person singular simple present minimaxes, present participle minimaxing, simple past and past participle minimaxed)

1. (video games) To invest heavily into one skill or ability, to the end of maximizing some beneficial effect.
2. To find the optimum play, or decision, to achieve minimizing the maximum loss.

Alternative forms

• min-max, minmax

See also

• maximin

Anagrams

• maximin