li:st adj., n., & adv. --adj. 1 smallest, slightest,
most insignificant. 2 (prec. by
the;
esp.
with neg.)
any at
all (it
does not make the least difference). 3 (of a
species or variety)
very small (least tern). --n. the least
amount. --adv. in the least
degree. øat least 1 at all events;
anyway; even if
there is
doubt about a
more extended
statement. 2 (also at the least) not
less than. in the least (or the least) (usu. with neg.) in the smallest degree; at all (not in the least offended). least
common denominator,
multiple see DENOMINATOR, MULTIPLE. to
say the least (or the least of it) used to
imply the
moderation of a statement (that is
doubtful to say the least). [OE
lóst, lósest f. Gmc]