A miniature is a small-scale representation of a game element used in miniature wargames, role-playing games, and other tabletop games.
A miniature figure is a small-scale representation of a historical or mythological entity used in miniature wargames, role-playing games, and dioramas. Miniature figures are commonly made of metal, plastic, or paper. They are used to augment the visual aspects of a game and track position, facing, and line of sight of characters. Miniatures are typically painted and can be artfully sculpted, making them collectible in their own right.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_figure_(gaming)
See also: modelling
