innermost

American  

[in-er-mohst, -muhst] / ˈɪn ərˌmoʊst, -məst /

adjective

1. farthest inward; inmost.

2. most intimate or secret.

   one's innermost beliefs.

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noun

1. the innermost part.

innermost British  

/ ˈɪnəˌməʊst /

adjective

1. being or located furthest within; central

2. intimate; private

   innermost beliefs

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Etymology

Origin of innermost

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at inner, -most

Explanation

Innermost things are located as far as possible inside or closest to the middle. The innermost part of a jelly doughnut is the where you'll find the jelly. The innermost room at your school — or the room at the very center — might be the library, and an Alaskan's innermost layer of clothing in the winter is probably her long underwear. Another way to use innermost is to mean "most intimate or private," such as your innermost beliefs, thoughts, or dreams. In Middle English, there was also an innermore.

Example Sentences

Innermost is the mucin layer that attracts water and helps to spread the tear film over the surface of the cornea.

From New York Times • Sep. 20, 2021

"Innermost," with its warm oak and ivory colors, spins a variation on the same theme.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2010

Innermost and smallest planet, Mercury keeps the same face always toward the sun, as the moon does toward Earth.

From Time Magazine Archive

He spent quite a little time there, then searched minutely and fruitlessly for evidence of inimical activity within the Innermost Circle.

From Triplanetary by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)

I understand, too, there are several other temples of this Cult in London—South Place Chapel and Essex Hall, for instance, where they worship the Spirit of the Innermost.

From Certain Personal Matters by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)