The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Miniature \Min"i*a*ture\ (?; 277), n. [It. miniatura, fr. L.
   miniare. See Miniate, v.,Minium.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. Originally, a painting in colors such as those in
      mediaeval manuscripts; in modern times, any very small
      painting, especially a portrait.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Greatly diminished size or form; reduced scale.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Lettering in red; rubric distinction. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

   4. A particular feature or trait. [Obs.] --Massinger.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Miniature \Min"i*a*ture\, a.
   Being on a small scale; much reduced from the reality; as, a
   miniature copy.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Miniature \Min"i*a*ture\, v. t.
   To represent or depict in a small compass, or on a small
   scale.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

miniature
    adj 1: being on a very small scale; "a miniature camera"
    n 1: painting or drawing included in a book (especially in
         illuminated medieval manuscripts) [syn: miniature,
         illumination]
    2: a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced
       size [syn: miniature, toy]