minority

Meaning

Noun

1. The state of being a minor; youth, the period of a person's life prior to reaching adulthood.
2. Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority.
3. A member of an ethnic minority.
4. A group of people seen as distinct who are subordinated and discriminated against in a society.
5. A Muslim.

Adj

1. Of or relating to a minority.
2. Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, etc., rather than an outright majority thereof.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/maɪˈnɒɹ.ɪ.ti/

Etymology

From Middle French minorité, and its source Late Latin minōritās, from Latin minor.
Morphologically minor + -ity