: a sign − used in mathematics to indicate subtraction (as in 8−6=2) or a negative quantity (as in −10°)
called alsonegative sign
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebNext, use quotation marks, the minus sign and the site operator, liberally.—Heather Kelly, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2023 So that’s the exclusion principle: given that minus sign under exchange, two particles can never be in precisely the same quantum state.—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2012 Both are solutions to Einstein’s relativity theory, differing only by a minus sign.—Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 30 Nov. 2022 The favorite will be indicated by a minus sign next to their spread, and the underdog will have a plus sign.—Doug Ziefel, Chicago Tribune, 18 Nov. 2022 The favorite will have a minus sign in front of the number, and the underdog will have a plus sign in front.—Doug Ziefel, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2022 Each pair of digits can be connected by either nothing, a plus sign, or a minus sign.—Laura Feiveson, Popular Mechanics, 23 Sep. 2021 Each pair of digits can be connected by either nothing, a plus sign, or a minus sign.—Laura Feiveson, Popular Mechanics, 23 Sep. 2021 Each pair of digits can be connected by either nothing, a plus sign, or a minus sign.—Laura Feiveson, Popular Mechanics, 23 Sep. 2021 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1820, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
minus sign
noun
: a sign − used to show subtraction (as in 8 − 6 = 2) or a quantity less than zero (as in −10°)