maximum

[ mak-suh-muhm ]

noun

, plural max·i·mums, max·i·ma [mak, -s, uh, -m, uh].

1. the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc.
2. the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
3. an upper limit allowed or allowable by law or regulation.
4. Mathematics.
   1. Also called relative maximum, the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is greater than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point. Compare absolute maximum.
   2. the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.

adjective

1. that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained:

   maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.

2. pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

maximum

/ ˈmæksɪməm /

noun

1. the greatest possible amount, degree, etc
2. the highest value of a variable quantity
3. maths
   1. a value of a function that is greater than any neighbouring value
   2. a stationary point on a curve at which the tangent changes from a positive value on the left of this point to a negative value on the right Compare minimum
   3. the largest number in a set
4. astronomy
   1. the time at which the brightness of a variable star has its greatest value
   2. the magnitude of the star at that time

adjective

1. of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums

maximum

/ măk′sə-məm /

, Plural maximums

1. The greatest known or greatest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
2. The greatest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

Other Words From

• maxi·mum·ly adverb
• sub·maxi·mum adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximum¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin, noun use of neuter of maximus, superlative of magnus “great, large”

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximum¹

C18: from Latin: greatest (the neuter form used as noun), from magnus great

Example Sentences

Hobson faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

From Los Angeles Times

The energy cap limits the maximum price that can be charged for each unit of gas and electricity, rather than the total bill.

From BBC

Per Wayne State School of Law professor Khaled A. Beydoun, “Money drives the yearning for a white contender who can capture the imagination of new audiences and the maximum dollars only whiteness can bring.”

From Salon

Those visas allow individuals to travel into and out of Japan for a maximum period of five years.

From Salon

The maximum maintenance loan for those living away from their parents outside of London, for example, will increase from £10,227 to £10,544 a year.

From BBC

Related Words

• ceiling
• peak