minidisc
Meaning
a small magneto-optical disc for recording and playing back music or data, smaller than a standard compact disc.
Structure
Usage
i found my old collection of minidiscs in the attic.
the minidisc player was popular in the 1990s before mp3 players became widespread.
he transferred the audio recordings from the analogue tapes to a minidisc.
Etymology
the term "minidisc" is a modern compound formed in the late 20th century. the first element, "mini," derives from the latin minimus, meaning "smallest," and entered english as a productive prefix to denote a scaled-down version of something. the second element, "disc," originates from latin discus, via greek diskos, referring to a flat, circular object. the compound logically describes a smaller version of the existing optical disc format, specifically the compact disc, created by sony for portable digital audio storage.
Analysis
- mini: from latin minimus, meaning "smallest, least". functions as a combining form meaning "smaller or shorter than the standard size". - disc: from latin discus, meaning "disk, plate". functions as the base noun denoting a flat, circular object.