1.
The ~ part of something is the part that is higher than the rest of it. The ~ thing is the highest one of a group of things.
John was on the ~ floor of the three-storey gatehouse...
The rain spattered on the ~ leaves.
= topmost
ADJ: usu ADJ n
•
Uppermost is also an adverb.
Lift the fish and carefully place it on a large board, flat side ~.
= up
ADV: n ADV
2.
If something is ~ in a particular situation, it is the most important thing in that situation.
The economy appears to be ~ in people’s minds...
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ