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📏 Very small size 📷 A tiny camera 🔌 A tiny component
subminiature

subminiature

8.1
Smaller than the normal size used for small technical devices
  • adjective
  • /ˌsʌbˈmɪnɪtʃər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subminiatura
  • The engineers developed a subminiature sensor that can fit in tight spaces within a robotic arm.

Examples

  • Circle 205 on Reader Service Card: Subminiature crossed-roller slides

    Academic text (1996)

  • Subminiature valves

    Academic text (1997)

  • The lightweight R-800 series of subminiature precision pressure regulators is designed for gas or liquid flow applications requiring precise output.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Subminiature Photomultiplier Tube

    Academic text (2002)

  • Subminiature crossed-roller slide assemblies include the RX series, with a cross section of 0.32 by 0.56 in., travel to 2 in., and load capacity to 66 lb.

    Academic text (1996)

  • This subminiature microphone is ideal for capturing audio in discreet locations.

  • The latest model features a subminiature circuit board designed to enhance device performance without taking up much room.

Synonyms

miniature
vssubminiature
101 3.6

Very small in size compared with the usual type

is narrower, referring to small technical parts rather than general smallness
undersized
vssubminiature
8 3.3

Smaller than the normal size for its kind

is used mainly for technical components and standard sizes
ultrafine
vssubminiature
1 5.2

Something that is very small, like tiny particles or thin fibers

applies to tiny technical components generally, not only particles or fibers
undersize
vssubminiature
3.2

Smaller than usual for its kind

is used mainly for technical components and standard sizes

Antonyms

oversized
61 2.3

Larger than normal and often too big for its use

How Small

micro
4 5.1
subminiature
  • Specialized
8.1
miniature
101 3.6
small
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

subminiature positive

Morphology

subminiature = miniature (transparent) = sub + miniature + mini

The prefix 'sub-' clearly indicates something smaller or below the usual size, which aligns with the meaning of 'subminiature'.

Etymology

Subminiature comes from the parts sub- meaning 'under' or 'below' and miniature meaning 'very small'. So subminiature means 'even smaller than small', which is why we use it for things smaller than the usual size.