Minus (mīnŭs), a. [L. See Minor, and cf. Mis- pref. from the French.] (Math.) Less; requiring to be subtracted; negative; as, a minus quantity.
[1913 Webster]

Minus sign (Math.), the sign [-] denoting minus, or less, prefixed to negative quantities, or quantities to be subtracted. See Negative sign, under Negative.
[1913 Webster]