Minute

La minute (315630347)

Minute (symbol: min) is a unit of time traditionally equal to 1/60 (one-sixtieth) of an hour, or 60 seconds. The minute is not an SI unit, but it is accepted for use with SI units.

History

The concept of dividing an hour into 60 minutes dates back to ancient Babylonian civilization, which used a sexagesimal (base-60) numeral system. This division was later adopted by the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans, and it has persisted into modern times.

Usage

Minutes are commonly used in everyday life to measure short periods of time. They are also used in various fields such as science, engineering, sports, and transportation.

In Timekeeping

In timekeeping, a minute is a standard unit of time. Clocks and watches typically display time in hours and minutes. The minute hand on an analog clock completes one full revolution every hour.

In Angles

In addition to measuring time, the term "minute" is also used in geometry and astronomy to denote a unit of angular measurement known as the arcminute. One arcminute is equal to 1/60 of a degree.

Related Units

• Second: The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI).
• Hour: A unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
• Day: A unit of time equal to 24 hours.

See Also

• Time
• Hour
• Second
• Clock
• Watch
• Arcminute