First Known Use: 1740
Dictionary
maximum
noun max·i·mum \ˈmak-s(ə-)məm\
: the highest number or amount that is possible or allowed
plural max·i·ma \-sə-mə\ or maximums \-s(ə-)məmz\
Full 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
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Origin of MAXIMUM
Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
MAXIMUM Defined for Kids
1maximum
noun max·i·mum \ˈmak-sə-məm\
plural max·i·ma \-sə-mə\ or maximums
Definition of MAXIMUM for Kids
: the highest value : greatest amount <We had to pay the maximum.>
2maximum
adjective
Definition of MAXIMUM for Kids
: as great as possible in amount or degree <We work with maximum efficiency.>
3maximum
adverb
Definition of MAXIMUM for Kids
: at the most <… it will only take her two minutes—maximum—to get home. — Betsy Byars, The Computer Nut>
Medical Dictionary
maximum
noun max·i·mum \ˈmak-s(ə-)məm\
plural max·i·ma \-sə-mə\ 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
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