optimal

adjective op·ti·mal \ ˈäp-tə-məl \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of optimal

:most desirable or satisfactory :optimum

the optimal use of class time

the optimal dosage of medication for a patient

conditions for optimal development

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optimality

play \ˌäp-tə-ˈma-lə-tē\ noun

—

optimally

play \ˈäp-tə-mə-lē\ adverb

See optimal defined for English-language learners

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Examples of optimal in a Sentence

He keeps his engine tuned for optimal performance.
Under optimal conditions, these plants grow quite tall.

Recent Examples of optimal from the Web

Any of those paths (stay the course, sell equity, eliminate regional feeds) might be optimal depending on the details of the valuation, potential partners, cash flow needs, ongoing costs, etc.

— jon wilner, The Seattle Times, "‘Something has to change’: Here’s what media analysts think of the Pac-12 Networks," 29 Aug. 2017
That leaves players like Robinson little choice but to pick from a short list of sub-optimal options.

— tim sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Skipping college ball won't hurt Mitchell Robinson. For most players, that's not the case | Tim Sullivan," 24 Aug. 2017
But elderberries, by astonishing coincidence, comprise around 13 percent protein—far more than your typical berry, but almost exactly the optimal amount for a grizzly bear.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "How Climate Change Canceled the Grizzly Salmon Run," 21 Aug. 2017
Last week’s price action in havens could have been even more contained if liquidity in the spot and options markets were optimal.

— vassilis karamanis, Bloomberg.com, "Markets Are Already Shrugging Off the Selloff That Barely Was," 14 Aug. 2017
Ultimately, quality tech-free time with you is optimal for your young child's development.

— bridget davidson, ph.d., and jason jent, ph.d., miamiherald, "Screen time for young children: When and how to introduce mobile devices," 17 July 2017
Humans settle for one that works well enough because to find the optimal one is too hard.

— The Economist, "A new way to workWhat will business technology look like tomorrow?," 13 July 2017
And, in turn, a data profile would develop for each individual with the gradual accrual of information, giving the coaches the wherewithal to make sound, logical decisions that would keep the team in optimal condition.

— rainer sabin, AL.com, "Inside the technology giving Alabama a competitive edge," 2 July 2017
But difficulties working with the material have meant that, for optimal performance, nanotube transistors have to be even larger than current silicon transistors, which are about 100 nanometers across.

— matthew hutson, Science | AAAS, "Scientists use carbon nanotubes to make the world’s smallest transistors," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optimal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of optimal

optim(um) + ¹-al

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1890

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OPTIMAL Defined for English Language Learners

optimal

adjective

Definition of optimal for English Language Learners

: best or most effective

Medical Dictionary

optimal

adjective op·ti·mal \ ˈäp-tə-məl \

medical Definition of optimal

:most desirable or satisfactory :optimum

optimal concentrations of a drug

—

optimality

play \ˌäp-tə-ˈmal-ət-ē\ noun plural -ties

—

optimally

play \-mə-lē\ adverb

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Origin and Etymology of optimal

OPTIMAL Defined for English Language Learners

optimal

Definition of optimal for English Language Learners

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optimal

medical Definition of optimal

optimality

optimally

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