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optimum

[op-tuh-muhm]
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noun, plural op·ti·ma [op-tuh-muh] /ˈɒp tə mə/, op·ti·mums.

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.

adjective

most favorable or desirable; best: optimum conditions.

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RELATED WORDS

A1, ace, capital, choice, choicest, excellent, flawless, greatest, highest, ideal, matchless, maximum, optimal, peak, peerless, perfect, select, superlative

Nearby words

  1. optimism,
  2. optimist,
  3. optimistic,
  4. optimization,
  5. optimize,
  6. optimum dose,
  7. optimum population,
  8. option,
  9. option money,
  10. optional

Origin of optimum

1875–80; < Latin: noun use of neuter of optimus best, suppletive superlative of bonus good
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for optimum

British Dictionary definitions for optimum

optimum

noun plural -ma (-mə) or -mums

a condition, degree, amount or compromise that produces the best possible result

adjective

most favourable or advantageous; bestoptimum conditions

Word Origin for optimum

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for optimum

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper