max·i·mum
(măḱsə-məm)
[Latin, from neuter of maximus, greatest.]
noun: pl., -mums or -ma (-mə)
- The greatest possible quantity or degree.
- The greatest quantity or degree reached or recorded; the upper limit of variation.
- The time or period during which the highest point or degree is attained.
- An upper limit permitted by law or other authority.
- Astronomy
- The moment when a variable star is most brilliant.
- The magnitude of the star at such a moment.
- Mathematics
- The greatest value assumed by a function over a given interval.
- The largest number in a set.
adjective
- Having or being the greatest quantity or the highest degree that has been or can be attained: maximum temperature.
- Of, relating to, or making up a maximum: a maximum number in a series.
