maximum

UK: ˈmæksɪməm | US: ˈmæksɪməm

Definition

  1. n. the greatest or highest amount, degree, or limit

  2. adj. of, relating to, or being the greatest or highest

Structure
max <greatest>imum <superlative suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin maximum (neut. of maximus, meaning "greatest"), which combines max- (root of magnus, "great") + -imum (superlative suffix). The word entered English in the mid-18th century, retaining its original sense of an upper limit or peak value. The root max- appears in other English words like maximize and maximal, consistently conveying the idea of extremity.

Examples

  1. The car's speed reached its maximum on the highway.

  2. The room has a maximum capacity of 50 people.

  3. She achieved the maximum score in the exam.

  4. The temperature will hit its maximum at noon.

  5. The system is designed to handle a maximum load of 10 tons.