MAXIMUM

maximal, maximum

(adjective) the greatest or most complete or best possible; “maximal expansion”; “maximum pressure”

utmost, uttermost, maximum, level best

(noun) the greatest possible degree; “he tried his utmost”

maximum

(noun) the point on a curve where the tangent changes from positive on the left to negative on the right

maximum, upper limit

(noun) the largest possible quantity

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

maximum (plural maxima or maximums)

The highest limit

• P. Colquhoun

(mathematics) The greatest value of a set or other mathematical structure, especially the global maximum or a local maximum of a function

(analysis) An upper bound of a set which is also an element of that set

(statistics) The largest value of a batch or sample or the upper bound of a probability distribution

(colloquial, snooker) A 147 break; the highest possible break

(colloquial, darts) A score of 180 with three darts

(colloquial, cricket) A scoring shot for 6 runs

Usage notes

• Maxima is the more common plural, especially for the technical senses.

Synonyms

• max

Antonyms

• minimum

Hypernyms

• (statistics): measure of location

• extremum

Adjective

maximum (not comparable)

To the highest degree.

Synonym: maximal

Source: Wiktionary

Max"i*mum, n.; pl. Maxima. Etym: [L., neut. from maximus the greatest. See Maxim.]

Definition: The greatest quantity or value attainable in a given case; or, the greatest value attained by a quantity which first increases and then begins to decrease; the highest point or degree; -- opposed to Ant: minimum. Good legislation is the art of conducting a nation to the maximum of happiness, and the minimum of misery. P. Colquhoun. Maximum thermometer, a thermometer that registers the highest degree of temperature attained in a given time, or since its last adjustment.

Max"i*mum, a.

Definition: Greatest in quantity or highest in degree attainable or attained; as, a maximum consumption of fuel; maximum pressure; maximum heat.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition