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• maxi
  maxi

  noun

  maxiskirt.
• maxi-
  maxi-

  a combining form with the meanings “very large in comparison with others of its kind” (maxi-budget; maxi-taxi ); “of great scope or intensity” (maxi-devaluation; maxi-service ); (of clothing) “long, nearly ankle-length” (maxicoat; maxiskirt ).

maxi

¹ American  

[mak-see] / ˈmæk si /

noun

maxis plural

1. maxiskirt.

2. a garment having a maxiskirt, as a coat.

3. of the length of a maxiskirt; having a maxiskirt.

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maxi- ² American  

1. a combining form with the meanings “very large in comparison with others of its kind” (maxi-budget; maxi-taxi ); “of great scope or intensity” (maxi-devaluation; maxi-service ); (of clothing) “long, nearly ankle-length” (maxicoat; maxiskirt ).

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maxi British  

/ ˈmæksɪ /

adjective

1. 1. (of a garment) reaching the ankle

   2. ( as noun )

      she wore a maxi

   3. ( in combination )

      a maxidress

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noun

1. a type of large racing yacht

Usage

What does maxi- mean? Maxi- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “very large” or "of great scope or intensity." It is occasionally used in a variety of everyday terms, especially in fashion. Maxi- comes from a shortening of maximal or maximum, meaning "greatest possible." The word maximum comes from Latin maximus, the superlative form of magnus, meaning "great" or "large." This Latin word is also related to the root of the terms maxim, "an expression of a general truth or principle," and major “greater in size.” Learn more at our entries for maxim and major.

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• maxis
  plural

Etymology

Origin of maxi¹

1965–70; shortening of maxiskirt, or independent use of maxi-

Origin of maxi-²

Shortening of maximal or maximum, by analogy with mini-

Example Sentences

And as the minis proliferate, maxi- audiences are becoming harder to woo.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• preeminent
• transcendent
• utmost