1.
minuscule; extremely small; microscopic; tiny
Describes something that is extremely small in size, scale, or amount.
極小のチップを開発した。
They developed a minuscule chip.
顕微鏡でしか見えない極小の生物がいる。
There are microscopic organisms that can only be seen with a microscope.
極小の部品を扱うには専用の工具と高い技術が必要だ。
Handling minuscule parts requires specialized tools and advanced skill.
FORMATION: 極 (extreme, utmost) + 小 (small).
READING NOTE: Can also be read きょくしょう, especially in mathematical contexts where it means 'local minimum.' The reading ごくしょう is standard for the general meaning of 'extremely small.'
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 極小の部品: minuscule parts
- 極小サイズ: extremely small size
- 極小住宅: micro-home, tiny house
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 極小: extremely small (emphasizes extreme degree)
- 微小: minute, tiny (scientific/technical)
- 最小: smallest, minimum (superlative)
- 極大: extremely large (antonym)