optimum
[op-tuh-muh m]
- the best or most favorable point, degree, amount, etc., as of temperature, light, and moisture for the growth or reproduction of an organism.
- the greatest degree or best result obtained or obtainable under specific conditions.
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- most favorable or desirable; best: optimum conditions.
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Origin of optimum
1875–80; < Latin: noun use of neuter of optimus best, suppletive superlative of bonus good
Synonyms
See more synonyms for optimum on Thesaurus.com3. ideal, perfect, optimal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for optimum
Contemporary Examples
As for the search, which will soon resume, Soelisto confessed that “the capability of our equipment is not optimum.”
One reason for that is filmmakers shot with 16mm lenses on hand-cranked cameras for optimum authenticity.
Even salt is chemically broken down and rebuilt for optimum flavor.
I read Anthropometry of Algerian Women and Optimum Handle Height for a Push-Pull Type Manually Operated Dryland Weeder.
The last two years was sort of the optimum personal fun, because we were the majority.
Historical Examples
Nothing is more pleasant than a day of this optimum kind in May or June.
Cultivation has been carried far beyond the optimum regions.
The Apple-TreeL. H. Bailey
My cousin, young Denny Swinton, was to dine with me that evening at the Optimum.
PhrosoAnthony Hope
It will be very seldom that a plant is likely to be found at the optimum.
Life Movements in PlantsSir Jagadis Chunder Bose
In the present case the optimum temperature is in the neighbourhood of 35C.
Life Movements in PlantsSir Jagadis Chunder Bose
optimum
- a condition, degree, amount or compromise that produces the best possible result
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- most favourable or advantageous; bestoptimum conditions
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Word Origin
C19: from Latin: the best (thing), from optimus best; see optimism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for optimum
n.
1879, from Latin optimum, neuter singular of optimus "best" (used as a superlative of bonus "good"), probably related to ops "power, resources" (in which case the evolution is from "richest" to "the most esteemed," thus from PIE root *op- "to work") or to ob "in front of," with superlative suffix *-tumos. Originally in biology, in reference to "conditions most favorable" (for growth, etc.). As an adjective from 1885.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper