ne plus ultra

[nee pluhs uhl-truh, ney, ne ploos ool-trah]

noun

1. the highest point; acme.

2. the most intense degree of a quality or state.

ne plus ultra

/ ˈneɪ ˈplʊs ˈʊltrɑː /

noun

1. the extreme or perfect point or state

Word History and Origins

Origin of ne plus ultra¹

1690–1700; < New Latin, Latin nē plūs ultrā (may you) not (go) further beyond (this point)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ne plus ultra¹

literally: not more beyond (that is, go no further), allegedly a warning to sailors inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules at Gibraltar