−

There are many theories regarding the origin of the minus sign. According to one theory, it originates from a handwriting form of the letter m (for minus) that came to resemble a horizontal bar,[1] Another theory traces it back to a hieratic sign.

− (English symbol name minus sign)

1. (mathematics) subtraction

   8 − 3 = 5

2. (mathematics) negative sign. "negative", "minus", "the opposite of"
   • Aldrichimica Acta Volume 30 No 4 (pdf) from Sigma-Aldrich

     Decomposition of 4 in the presence of cis-piperylene at room temperature results in the stereocontrolled formation of trans-cycloheptadiene 27 in 90% ee (96% ee at -78 °C).

   −(−5) = 5

3. (informal, slang) Less than, or “or less”.

   13-

   less than 13 (years old)

4. (mathematics) Relative complement. "minus", "without".

   {1,2,4} − {1,3,4} = {2}

5. (mathematics) from the negative side

   ${\displaystyle \lim _{x\to a^{-}}f(x)}$ is the same as ${\displaystyle \lim _{x\uparrow a}\,f(x)}$

6. (medicine) rejective result from laboratory test
7. (electricity) cathode

For quotations using this term, see Citations:−.

• (non-Anglophone countries) ÷
• (relative complement): ∖

• (antonym(s) of “all except relative complement”): +

• - (hyphen-minus)