maximum

American  

[mak-suh-muhm] / ˈmæk sə məm /

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.

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adjective

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

   maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.

2. pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

maximum British  

/ 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

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adjective

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

maximum Scientific  

/ măk′sə-məm /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• maximumly adverb
• submaximum adjective

Etymology

Origin of maximum

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

Example Sentences

Holder was run out off the penultimate ball of the innings for 49 off 31 balls with three maximums.

From Barron's

The SNP government increased the maximum possible sentence for knife possession from four to five years in 2016.

From BBC

At the moment, the rate of energy recovery with the 'super clip' - frankly, jargon that would be better kept away from public consumption because of the potential for confusion - can be a maximum of 250kw.

From BBC

If the court takes up the case, the nine face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and the loss of their political rights for a decade.

From Barron's

Speaking at the Economic Club of Colorado, Schmid said “I think we have work to do on the inflation side of things,” regarding the Fed’s dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ceiling
• peak