mi·nute 2 
(mī-nt, -nyt, mĭ-)
(mī-nt, -nyt, mĭ-)adj.
1. Exceptionally small; tiny. See Synonyms at small.
2. Not worthy of notice; insignificant: a minute problem.
3. Characterized by careful scrutiny and close examination: held a minute inspection of the grounds.
[Middle English, from Latin minūtus, past participle of minuere, to lessen; see mei-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
mi·nutely adv.
mi·nuteness n.