minyan

What it means

1. JudaismThe minimum number of ten (male) adult Jews required for a communal religious service.

   So without my visit, if Simon didn't attend, a minyan would be hard to come by.

   2009, Charles London, Far from Zion, page 256

   1 more example

   As mourners cannot attend synagogue during shiva, a minyan gathers for morning, afternoon, and evening services in their home.

   2010, Ari Goldman, Living a Year of Kaddish: A Memoir, page 27

2. broadlyA Jewish prayer service.

   New people assume leadership positions as required and stay around for as long as the minyan meets their needs.

   2009, Charles Simon, Building a Successful Volunteer Culture, page 137

   1 more example

   Tefillin are not used on Sabbaths and holidays, so unless you attend a minyan on weekday mornings or grew up in a home where men prayed daily, this practice may be unfamiliar to you.

   2012, Andrea Lieber, The Essential Guide to Jewish Prayer and Practices

In a sentence

So without my visit, if Simon didn't attend, a minyan would be hard to come by.

2009, Charles London, Far from Zion, page 256

Where it comes from

1. Hebrewמִנְיָן“number, count, quorum”
2. Englishminyan

From Hebrew מִנְיָן (minyán, “number, count, quorum”).