adj. & n.
adj. 1 last, final. 2 beyond which no other exists or is possible (the ultimate analysis). 3 fundamental, primary, unanalysable (ultimate truths). 4 maximum (ultimate tensile strength).
n. 1 (prec. by the) the best achievable or imaginable. 2 a final or fundamental fact or principle. ultimately adj. ultimateness n.
[ LL ultimatus past part. of ultimare come to an end ]