Definition of maximum
maxima
play \-sə-mə\ ormaximums
play \-s(ə-)məmz\1a : the greatest quantity or value attainable or attainedb : 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
adjectiveExplore M-W
Recent Examples of maximum from the Web
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Passengers can register a maximum of five pets (dogs, cats or birds) for the service.
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While Cardinal’s CEO salary exceeded the maximum allowed by state law, there are no guidelines for other administrative salaries, according to the Office of State Human Resources.
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The U.S. National Hurricane Center says the storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (70 kph).
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The most serious charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.
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The extension also includes a buyout, as Zenger can be fired without cause for a maximum of two years’ salary — an amount at this time that would equal $1.4 million.
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The storm had maximum sustained winds of 89 kilometers (55 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 117 kph (73 mph).
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The project would allow a maximum of 75,000 cubic feet per second of sediment and water to flow into Barataria Bay during high-river periods, with the sediment both new land and improving existing wetlands.
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In contrast, another city-permit applicant is seeking to develop a 12-building, 12-acre southeast Sacramento warehouse complex to lease to multiple businesses each growing up to a maximum of 22,000 square feet of plants.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maximum'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of maximum
Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
MAXIMUM Defined for English Language Learners
maximum
playDefinition of maximum for English Language Learners
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: the highest number or amount that is possible or allowed
MAXIMUM Defined for Kids
Definition of maximum for Students
maxima
\-sə-mə\ ormaximums
: the highest value : greatest amount We had to pay the maximum.
Definition of maximum for Students
: as great as possible in amount or degree We work with maximum efficiency.
Definition of maximum for Students
: at the most … it will only take her two minutes—maximum—to get home. — Betsy Byars, The Computer Nut
Medical Dictionary
maximum
playMedical Definition of maximum
maxima
\-sə-mə\play ormaximums
1a: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attainedb: 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
adjectiveLearn More about maximum
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for maximum Spanish Central: Translation of maximum Nglish: Translation of maximum for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of maximum for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about maximum
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