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

Ramaswamy and Musk’s bid for “maximum transparency” will also likely include straight-up lying about what various government offices do.

From Slate

The Hunter Foundation has announced that for every pound donated to McGuinness's challenge from Wednesday onwards it will match the amount - up to a maximum of £2m.

From BBC

He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count.

From Los Angeles Times

Otherwise, Gong faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.

From Los Angeles Times

Scrumming is one of few things that is restricted until adult rugby, with teams only allowed to push a maximum of 1.5 metres in school.

From BBC

Related Words

• ceiling
• peak