Answer:
it means to get least or smallest.
<em>Separation of the body and the mind </em>is a theme in it. Gregor has his outer appearance changed, but his mind still remains relatively the same, which causes disconnect, such as him trying to stand even though his new body doesn't do that normally. There are moments where his body proves a challenge or a strange part of him, since it isn't tuned to his mindset.
