In music, how many quavers make a minim?

Good explanation. The American system is much less confusing!

KittyA9, I think it applies to Percussion, not piano or some woodwind instruments (and string instruments)

As an American I have NEVER heard of these terms before when referring to musical notation. I am a lifelong pianist.

And then there's the hemi-demi-semi-quaver! [1/64th note]