much smaller than ordinary or average; very small; tiny
Gram. expressing smallness or diminution: a diminutive suffix or name
Origin:
ME & OFr diminutif < LL diminutivus < pp. of L deminuere, diminish
noun
a very small person or thing
a word or name formed from another by the addition of a suffix expressing smallness in size or, sometimes, endearment or condescension, as ringlet (ring + -let), Jackie (Jack + -ie), lambkin (lamb + -kin)