I. ˈpēk noun
Etymology: perhaps alteration of pike
Date: 1530
1. : a pointed or projecting part of a garment ; especially : the visor of a cap or hat
2. : promontory
3. : a sharp or pointed end
4.
a.
(1) : the top of a hill or mountain ending in a point
(2) : a prominent mountain usually having a well-defined summit
b. : something resembling a mountain peak
5.
a. : the upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail
b. : the narrow part of a ship's bow or stern or the part of the hold in it
6.
a. : the highest level or greatest degree
b. : a high point in a course of development especially as represented on a graph
7. : widow's peak
Synonyms: see summit
II. verb
Date: 1577
intransitive verb
: to reach a maximum (as of capacity, value, or activity) — often used with out
transitive verb
: to cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum
III. adjective
Date: 1903
: being at or reaching the maximum
peak levels
peak output
also : of, relating to, or being a period of maximum intensity or activity
peak business hours
IV. intransitive verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1605
1. : to grow thin or sickly
2. : to dwindle away
V. transitive verb
Etymology: from apeak held vertically
Date: 1626
1. : to set (as a gaff) nearer the perpendicular
2. : to hold (oars) with blades well raised