I. ik-ˈstrēm adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin extremus, superlative of exter, exterus being on the outside — more at exterior
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : existing in a very high degree
extreme poverty
b. : going to great or exaggerated lengths : radical
went on an extreme diet
c. : exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected
extreme weather conditions
2. archaic : last
3. : situated at the farthest possible point from a center
the country's extreme north
4.
a. : most advanced or thoroughgoing
the extreme political left
b. : maximum
5.
a. : of, relating to, or being an outdoor activity or a form of a sport (as skiing) that involves an unusually high degree of physical risk
extreme mountain biking down steep slopes
b. : involved in an extreme sport
an extreme snowboarder
Synonyms: see excessive
• ex·treme·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 1555
1.
a. : something situated at or marking one end or the other of a range
extreme s of heat and cold
b. : the first term or the last term of a mathematical proportion
c. : the major term or minor term of a syllogism
2.
a. : a very pronounced or excessive degree
b. : highest degree : maximum
3. : an extreme measure or expedient
going to extreme s
•
- in the extreme