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

If it passes, Los Angeles would join a growing list of cities that have adopted maximum temperature thresholds for rentals.

From Los Angeles Times

She was advised to try and lose weight first, sent for eye screening and was later prescribed four tablets of Metformin a day - the maximum dose.

From BBC

"Whether such strategies will have a meaningful impact on lifespan, particularly maximum human lifespan, remains uncertain, though it is an area of considerable scientific interest."

From BBC

Sangha faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in federal prison, according to the justice department.

From BBC

It’s unclear when Nunez was arrested, but if convicted, he would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ceiling 
• peak