極小(きょくしょう)

Can function as a noun meaning "the very smallest" or as a modifier (極小(きょくしょう)の) meaning "extremely small, minute." In mathematics, 極小(きょくしょう) refers to a local minimum (as opposed to 極大(きょくだい), local maximum).

Common collocations

• 極小(きょくしょう)サイズ — extremely small size
• 極小(きょくしょう)の粒子(りゅうし) — minute particles
• 被害(ひがい)を極小(きょくしょう)にする — to minimize damage
• 極小(きょくしょう)住宅(じゅうたく) — micro-house; tiny dwelling

Similar words

• 微小(びしょう) — very small, minute (more technical/scientific)
• 最小(さいしょう) — smallest, minimum (superlative; the absolute least)
• 極(ごく)小(しょう)さい — an emphatic phrasing meaning "extremely tiny"

Pronunciation

The reading きょくしょう is the standard on'yomi compound. The alternative reading 極小(ごくしょう) also exists and is sometimes used interchangeably, though きょくしょう is more common in formal and technical contexts.