maximal

[ mak-suh-muhl ]

adjective

1. of or being a maximum; greatest possible; highest.

maximal

/ ˈmæksɪməl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or achieving a maximum; being the greatest or best possible
2. maths (of a member of an ordered set) being preceded, in order, by all other members of the set

Derived Forms

• ˈmaximally, adverb

Other Words From

• maxi·mal·ly adverb
• post·maxi·mal adjective
• sub·maxi·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximal¹

First recorded in 1880–85; maxim(um) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Still, Bouie is right: If Trump wants to marshal hundreds — or more likely thousands — of people into risking prison on his behalf, he will need to bring maximal powers of personal persuasion to bear.

From Salon

The plan emphasizes local control over housing policies, opposing federal efforts to weaken single-family zoning and advocating for maximal flexibility in local land use and zoning decisions.

From Salon

He does not engage in the sort of maximal resistance that other places did.

From Salon

Altitude training can improve an athlete’s maximal oxygen consumption, or VO2 max, and lessen the effects of fatigue.

From Los Angeles Times

The EU has imposed limits to the cadmium maximal concentration in foodstuffs such as rice, wheat, potatoes and more recently chocolate.

From Science Daily