maximum

[mak-suh-muh m] /ˈmæk sə məm/
noun, plural maximums, maxima
[mak-suh-muh] /ˈmæk sə mə/ (Show IPA)
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, 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.
    Compare absolute maximum.
  2. the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.
adjective
5.
that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained:
maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.
6.
pertaining to a maximum or maximums.
Origin
1730-40; < Latin, noun use of neuter of maximus, superlative of magnus great, large
Related forms
maximumly, adverb
submaximum, adjective
Examples from the web for maximum
  • Some establish a set interest rate on the overdue amount while others refer to the maximum interest rate allowable.
  • Motorsports always has been about humans pushing themselves and their machines to the limit to extract maximum performance.
  • Technology is here to improve energy density and pushes the limit closer to the theoretical maximum.
  • The top limit for this relationship refers to the maximum speed that movement can have, which is the speed of light.
  • The second is to wring the maximum amount of useful work out of every unit of energy available.
  • It has to find a minimum hypothesis to cover a maximum amount of data.
  • It's so important that the maximum number of people get the maximum amount of care.
  • Yet a functioning democracy demands maximum accountability and transparency.
  • True shared governance attempts to balance maximum participation in decision making with clear accountability.
  • President, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term for a maximum of two terms.
British Dictionary definitions for maximum

maximum

/ˈmæksɪməm/
noun (pl) -mums, -ma (-mə)
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 (sense 4)
  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
5.
of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums
max
Word Origin
C18: from Latin: greatest (the neuter form used as noun), from magnus great
Word Origin and History for maximum
n.

1740, from French maximum and directly from Latin maximum (plural maxima), neuter of maximus "greatest," which is superlative of magnus "great, large" (see magnum).

adj.

1834, from maximum (n.).

maximum in Medicine

maximum max·i·mum (māk'sə-məm)
n. pl. max·i·mums or max·i·ma (-mə)

  1. The greatest possible quantity or degree.

  2. The greatest quantity or degree reached or recorded; the upper limit of variation.

  3. The time or period during which the highest point or degree is attained.

adj.

  1. Having or being the greatest quantity or the highest degree attained or attainable.

  2. Of, relating to, or making up a maximum.

maximum in Science
maximum
  (māk'sə-məm)   
Plural maximums or maxima

  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.