optimum

[ op-tuh-muhm ]
See synonyms for: optimumoptimaoptimums on Thesaurus.com

noun,plural op·ti·ma [op-tuh-muh], /ˈɒp tə mə/, op·ti·mums.
  1. the best or most favorable point, degree, amount, etc., as of temperature, light, and moisture for the growth or reproduction of an organism.

  2. the greatest degree or best result obtained or obtainable under specific conditions.

adjective
  1. most favorable or desirable; best: optimum conditions.

Origin of optimum

1
First recorded in 1875–80; from Latin: noun use of neuter of optimus “best,” superlative of bonus “good”

Other words for optimum

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use optimum in a sentence

  • There is still another great danger which one may beware of, optima fide,—the danger of knowing something untrue.

    Criminal Psychology | Hans Gross
  • Horum adulescentia bonis artibus et magna omnium spe exacta est: ad egregiam enim indolem optima accedebat educatio.

    Selections from Viri Romae | Charles Franois L'Homond
  • Hrum adulscentia bons artibus et mgn omnium sp64 excta est: ad gregiam enim indolem optima accdbat ducti.

    Selections from Viri Romae | Charles Franois L'Homond
  • Having with some difficulty gained admittance, Optima rushed into my arms, and wept upon my breast.

    Lady Eureka, v. 1 (of 3) | Robert Folkestone Williams
  • I made a snatch at what I thought was the sinking form of Optima, but soon I found out the dreadful mistake.

    Lady Eureka, v. 1 (of 3) | Robert Folkestone Williams

British Dictionary definitions for optimum

optimum

/ (ˈɒptɪməm) /


nounplural -ma (-mə) or -mums
  1. a condition, degree, amount or compromise that produces the best possible result

adjective
  1. most favourable or advantageous; best: optimum conditions

Origin of optimum

1
C19: from Latin: the best (thing), from optimus best; see optimism

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012