maximum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the largest possible quantity
    upper limit.
  2. noun the greatest possible degree
    uttermost; utmost; level best.
    • he tried his utmost
  3. noun the point on a curve where the tangent changes from positive on the left to negative on the right
  4. adjective the greatest or most complete or best possible
    maximal.
    • maximal expansion
    • maximum pressure

WordNet

Max"i*mum noun
Etymology
L., neut. from maximus the greatest. See Maxim.
Wordforms
plural Maxima
Definitions
  1. The greatest quantity or value attainable in a given case; or, the greatest value attained by a quantity which first increases and then begins to decrease; the highest point or degree; -- opposed to minimum.
    Good legislation is the art of conducting a nation to the maximum of happiness, and the minimum of misery. P. Colquhoun.
Max"i*mum adjective
Definitions
  1. Greatest in quantity or highest in degree attainable or attained; as, a maximum consumption of fuel; maximum pressure; maximum heat.

Webster 1913