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

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

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

max·i·mum

noun \ˈmak-s(ə-)məm\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; max·i·ma \-sə-mə\ (audio pronunciation)or ; maximums

Medical 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)

—maximum adjective

maximum

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In mathematics, a point at which a function's value is greatest. If the value is greater than or equal to all other function values, it is an absolute maximum. If it is merely greater than any nearby point, it is a relative, or local, maximum. In calculus, the derivative equals zero or does not exist at a function's maximum point. Techniques for finding maximum and minimum points motivated the early development of calculus and have made it easier to solve problems such as finding the dimensions of a container that will hold the most for a given amount of material used to make it. See also minimum, optimization.