small

/ˈsmȯl/

Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek mēlon small domestic animal

adjective

  1. having comparatively little size or slight dimensions

  2. lowercase

  3. minor in influence, power, or rank

small little diminutive minute tiny miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number. little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

adverb

  1. in or into small pieces

  2. without force or loudness

  3. in a small manner

noun

  1. a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder

  2. small-sized products

  3. smallclothes; especially : underwear

the small of the back