■ adjective
1》 being or happening at the end of a process.
2》 being the best or most extreme example of its kind: the ~ accolade.
3》 basic or fundamental.
4》 Physics denoting the maximum possible strength or resistance beyond which an object breaks.
■ noun
1》 ( the ~ ) the best achievable or imaginable of its kind: the ~ in luxury.
2》 a final or fundamental fact or principle.
Derivatives
ultimacy noun ( plural ultimacies ).
~ly adverb
Origin
C17: from late L. ultimatus , past participle of ultimare 'come to an end'.