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



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Word of the Day

24 June 2025

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(noun) very small (to 3 inches) flattened marine fish with a sucking disc on the abdomen for clinging to rocks etc.


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Coffee Trivia

According to Guinness World Records, the largest iced coffee is 14,228.1 liters and was created by Caffé Bene (South Korea), in Yangju, South Korea, on 17 July 2014. They poured iced black Americano on the giant cup that measured 3.3 meters tall and 2.62 meters wide.

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