noun
minor
A person below the legal age of adulthood.
A minor needs a parent or guardian to sign this form.
Etymology
Latin minor could mean younger as well as smaller. Legal usage developed the younger sense into a category for someone who has not reached full legal adulthood.
More examples
- The shelter provides separate rooms for minors.
- She is still a minor under state law.
- The court appoints a guardian to represent the minor.
Forms
minor · minors
minority noun — The state of being legally underage.