miniatures
|min-i-a-ture|
🇺🇸
/ˈmɪn.i.ə.tʃɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɪn.i.ə.tʃə/
(miniature)
small representation
Etymology
'miniature' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'miniatura', where 'miniare' meant 'to colour with minium (red lead)'.
'miniature' changed from Italian 'miniatura' (from Medieval Latin/Italian usage for illuminated painting) and eventually became the modern English word 'miniature'.
Initially, it meant 'a painting coloured with minium (an illuminated detail)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small-scale representation or model'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small-scale model or replica of something (e.g., a building, vehicle, or person).
The museum displayed miniatures of famous castles.
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Antonyms
Noun 2
a small, detailed painting, especially a portrait painted on a very small scale.
She collects 18th-century portrait miniatures.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/08 19:41