maɪˈnɔrɪtɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. by of) a smaller
number or
part,
esp.
within a
political party or
structure. 2
the number of votes
cast for this (a minority of two). 3 the
state of having
less than half the votes or of
being supported by less than half of the
body of
opinion (in the minority). 4 a relatively
small group of
people differing
from others in the
society of
which they are a part in race,
religion,
language, political
persuasion, etc. 5 (attrib.) relating to or
done by the minority (minority interests). 6 a the state of being
under full
legal age. b the
period of this. [F minorit÷ or med.L minoritas f. L
minor: see MINOR]