miniature Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)
    illumination.
  2. noun a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size
    toy.
  3. adjective satellite being on a very small scale
    • a miniature camera

WordNet

Min"i*a*ture noun
Etymology
It. miniatura, fr. L. miniare. See Miniate, v.,Minium.
Definitions
  1. Originally, a painting in colors such as those in mediæval manuscripts; in modern times, any very small painting, especially a portrait.
  2. Greatly diminished size or form; reduced scale.
  3. Lettering in red; rubric distinction. Obs.
  4. A particular feature or trait. Obs. Massinger.
Min"i*a*ture adjective
Definitions
  1. Being on a small; much reduced from the reality; as, a miniature copy.
Min"i*a*ture transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To represent or depict in a small compass, or on a small scale.

Webster 1913