The term 'smallest in degree' can be summarized as the LEAST amount of something. This could refer to a number, size, or intensity. For example, it could refer to the LEAST amount of money, the smallest size of clothing, or the lowest level of intensity for an activity. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the term 'smallest in degree' would likely refer to the LEAST amount of something, such as the LEAST amount of letters in a word. The solution to this crossword puzzle would be the word 'LEAST' with five letters.