leastˈaways, leastˈways (dialect) or leastˈwise adverb (rare or US)

1. At least
2. However (used to tone down a preceding statement)

least energy principle noun (physics)

The principle stating that a system is in stable equilibrium only under those conditions for which its potential energy is a minimum

least time principle see principle of least time under principle

at least or at the least

1. At the lowest estimate
2. At any rate