(ごくしょう)

ごくしょう
adjective (no), noun
minuscule; extremely small
1. minuscule; extremely small; microscopic; tiny
Describes something that is extremely small in size, scale, or amount.
極小(ごくしょう)のチップを開発(かいはつ)した。
They developed a minuscule chip.
顕微鏡(けんびきょう)でしか()えない極小(ごくしょう)生物(せいぶつ)がいる。
There are microscopic organisms that can only be seen with a microscope.
極小(ごくしょう)部品(ぶひん)(あつか)うには専用(せんよう)工具(こうぐ)(たか)技術(ぎじゅつ)必要(ひつよう)だ。
Handling minuscule parts requires specialized tools and advanced skill.

FORMATION: (ごく) (extreme, utmost) + (しょう) (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(ごくしょう)部品(ぶひん): minuscule parts
  • 極小(ごくしょう)サイズ: extremely small size
  • 極小(ごくしょう)住宅(じゅうたく): micro-home, tiny house

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 極小(ごくしょう): extremely small (emphasizes extreme degree)
  • 微小(びしょう): minute, tiny (scientific/technical)
  • 最小(さいしょう): smallest, minimum (superlative)
  • 極大(ごくだい): extremely large (antonym)