minus sign

noun

: a sign − used in mathematics to indicate subtraction (as in 8−6=2) or a negative quantity (as in −10°)

called also negative sign

Examples of minus sign in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The spread is typically shown with a minus sign in front of the favorite and a plus sign in front of the underdog. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

After locating the battery, remove the negative cable first (it should be marked with a minus sign), then remove the positive cable. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024

For example, Sutherland noted that y2 = x3 – 11x + 6 has conductor 17, but flipping the minus sign to a plus sign, y2 = x3 + 11x + 6 has conductor 100,736. —Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024

In math, whenever a student drew a line in an equals sign, a minus sign, or a division sign, she was required to use a ruler. —Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 26 June 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

Each pair of digits can be connected by either nothing, a plus sign, or a minus sign. —Laura Feiveson, Popular Mechanics, 23 Sep. 2021

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°)