Minimal thickness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Minimal thickness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are specifying the least amount of thickness required for an object or material. Example: "The design specifications require a minimal thickness of 5 millimeters for the insulation layer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The minimal thickness of the contralateral cortical bone was 5 mm.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

The minimal thickness of shape memory layer that undergoes SME was experimentally estimated for Ti2NiCu alloy.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds

The proposed model allows determining the minimal thickness of the plate which prevents from the perforation.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Modular designs must fit in the glenohumeral joint space, necessitating minimal thickness and careful material selection.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

Logitech had a definite winner on its hands with the Ultrathin Keyboard Case for iPad, a Bluetooth keyboard that attaches via magnets built into the iPad, protecting the screen and adding only minimal thickness.

TechCrunch

It is shown that the minimal thickness has strong implicit dependence on the temperature through the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of the solar sail.

Acta Astronautica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This approach addresses the inherently high recombination rate of disordered thin films, by allowing semiconductor films with minimal thicknesses to be used in photovoltaic devices, without performance degradation associated with incomplete light absorption.

Nanoscale Research Letters

However, only limited experience of lenticule removal in human corneae is available at this point in time and therefore no standard values for minimal thicknesses exist.

Biomedical Optics Express

OCT: Optical coherence tomography, SS: signal strength, MMFT: mean minimal foveolar thickness, MFT: mean foveal thickness, MCT: mean central thickness, MPT: mean peripheral thickness, MTT: mean total thickness.

BMC Ophthalmology

Five macular areas: MMFT: mean minimal foveolar thickness, MFT: mean foveal thickness, MCT: mean central thickness, MPT: mean peripheral thickness, MTT: mean total thickness.

BMC Ophthalmology

Five macular areas: MMFT: mean minimal foveal thickness, MFT: mean foveal thickness, MCT: mean central thickness, MPT: mean peripheral thickness, MTT: mean total thickness.

BMC Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying material requirements, clearly state the "minimal thickness" to ensure structural integrity or functionality is maintained. For example, "The insulation requires a minimal thickness of 2 inches to provide adequate thermal resistance."

Common error

Avoid using "minimal thickness" when you mean a thickness so small it can be ignored. "Minimal" implies a necessary minimum, whereas "negligible" means virtually non-existent. Therefore, if you have the intent of highlighting something to be ignored, consider "negligible thickness" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Minimal thickness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a required dimension, particularly in technical or scientific contexts. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in specifying material requirements and design parameters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Minimal thickness" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to specify the smallest acceptable dimension in various contexts, predominantly within scientific and technical fields. The phrase's formal register and prevalence in academic sources underscore its importance in precise communication. While alternatives like "minimum thickness" exist, "Minimal thickness" remains a clear and widely understood term. Remember to use it when defining necessary limits, ensuring specifications are met. Ludwig's examples illustrate practical applications in design and material science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minimum thickness

Replaces "minimal" with its direct synonym "minimum", maintaining identical meaning.

Least thickness

Substitutes "minimal" with "least", emphasizing the smallest possible dimension.

Smallest thickness

Replaces "minimal" with "smallest", highlighting the size aspect of the thickness.

Thinnest possible dimension

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the quality of being the thinnest.

Minimum depth

Replaces "thickness" with "depth," relevant when considering the extent of something from a surface.

Lowest gauge

Uses the term "gauge," appropriate when discussing the thickness of sheet metal or wire.

Reduced thickness

Highlights that the thickness is being made smaller.

Decreased thickness

Emphasizes a reduction in the existing thickness.

Essential thinness

Focuses on thinness as being critical or vital.

Minimum width

Substitutes "thickness" with "width," which can be relevant in specific contexts.

FAQs

What does "minimal thickness" mean?

"Minimal thickness" refers to the smallest acceptable or required dimension of an object or material. It ensures that the object meets certain structural or functional requirements.

When should I use "minimal thickness" in technical writing?

Use "minimal thickness" when specifying the least amount of material needed for a part or component to function correctly, especially in engineering, construction, or manufacturing contexts.

Is there a difference between "minimal thickness" and "minimum thickness"?

The terms "minimal thickness" and "minimum thickness" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the smallest acceptable thickness, and the choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.

Can you provide examples of how to use "minimal thickness" in a sentence?

Examples include: "The design specifications require a "minimal thickness" of 5 mm", or "The coating must have a "minimal thickness" to provide adequate corrosion protection."