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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Dictionary Entries Near minus sign
Cite this Entry
“Minus sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minus%20sign. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share