maximum

[mak-suh-muhm]

noun

plural

maximums, maxima 

1. the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc.

2. the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.

3. an upper limit allowed or allowable by law or regulation.

4. Mathematics.

   1. Also called relative maximum,. Also called local maximum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is greater than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point.

   2. the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.

adjective

1. that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained.

   maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.

2. pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

maximum

/ ˈmæksɪməm /

noun

1. the greatest possible amount, degree, etc

2. the highest value of a variable quantity

3. maths

   1. a value of a function that is greater than any neighbouring value

   2. a stationary point on a curve at which the tangent changes from a positive value on the left of this point to a negative value on the right Compare minimum

   3. the largest number in a set

4. astronomy

   1. the time at which the brightness of a variable star has its greatest value

   2. the magnitude of the star at that time

adjective

1. of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums

maximum

plural

maximums 

1. The greatest known or greatest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.

2. The greatest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

Other Word Forms

• maximumly adverb
• submaximum adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximum¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin, noun use of neuter of maximus, superlative of magnus “great, large”

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximum¹

C18: from Latin: greatest (the neuter form used as noun), from magnus great

Example Sentences

The top 25 most-viewed videos analysed by Hales contained products with an average of 11 and a maximum of 21 potentially irritating active ingredients for pediatric skin.

Read more on Barron's

They come on top of the maximum contribution of $24,500 for everyone.

Read more on Barron's

On Black Friday, Bodge said shoppers should aim for 40% or higher to achieve maximum savings — but data suggest it will be difficult to find products marked down by that much.

Read more on MarketWatch

It analyzed monthly premiums, health deductibles, drug deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket costs, star ratings, and whether the plans included drug coverage — a comprehensive list of items to evaluate.

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The goal is simple: Give colleagues maximum opportunity to disagree.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ceiling 
• peak