maxwell
1 Americannoun
noun
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Elsa, 1883–1963, U.S. professional hostess and author.
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James Clerk 1831–79, Scottish physicist.
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a male given name.
noun
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James Clerk. 1831–79, Scottish physicist. He made major contributions to the electromagnetic theory, developing the equations ( Maxwell equations ) upon which classical theory is based. He also contributed to the kinetic theory of gases, and colour vision
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( Ian ) Robert , original name Robert Hoch. 1923–91, British publisher, born in Slovakia: founder (1949) of Pergamon Press; chairman of Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd. (1984–91); theft from his employees' pension funds and other frauds discovered after his death led to the collapse of his business
noun
Etymology
Origin of maxwell
First recorded in 1895–1900; named after J. C. Maxwell
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Maxwell said Panashe had "basic" swimming skills and one of his friends went into the water to try to help him.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
He has also faced criticism for his decision to interview Maxwell in her Florida prison in July 2025, and for her transfer to a more comfortable prison in Texas soon after the interview was conducted.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
Kraft Heinz has reduced prices on its Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh products and Maxwell House coffee.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Bethany Maxwell, technical officer at Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, added: "We know that primates eat soil especially to detoxify or for nutrient supplementation."
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
Ever since leaving Frankie’s crew, I had tried to escape my homesickness and loneliness by becoming a part of Maxwell Street’s community.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.