maximum

max·i·mum

noun \ˈmak-s(ə-)məm\

plural max·i·ma\-sə-mə\ or maximums\-s(ə-)məmz\

Definition of MAXIMUM

1

a : the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained b : the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

3

: the largest of a set of numbers; specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval

— maximum adjective

Origin of MAXIMUM

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use: 1740

Related to MAXIMUM

Synonyms: max, most, outside

Antonyms: least, minimum

Related Words: best, ultimate, utmost; extreme

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb