Minimal

Maximal and minimal elements

In mathematics, especially in order theory, a maximal element of a subset of some preordered set is an element of that is not smaller than any other element in . A minimal element of a subset of some preordered set is defined dually as an element of that is not greater than any other element in .

Minimal music

Minimal music is a form of art music or other compositional practice that employs limited or minimal musical materials. Prominent features of minimalist music include repetitive patterns or pulses, steady drones, consonant harmony, and reiteration of musical phrases or smaller units. It may include features such as phase shifting, resulting in what is termed phase music, or process techniques that follow strict rules, usually described as process music. The approach is marked by a non-narrative, non-teleological, non-representational approach, and calls attention to the activity of listening by focusing on the internal processes of the music.

minimal

Adjective

1. The smallest possible amount, quantity, or degree.
2. Among elements of some collection, such that no other element is greater (with respect to some given partial order).

Noun

1. Something very small; a tiny part or fragment.