/ ˈmæksɪməm; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] ( abbr. max ) as large, fast, etc. as is possible, or the most that is possible or allowed :
the maximum speed / temperature / volume
For maximum effect do the exercises every day.
a maximum security prison
—compare minimum
■ noun
[ usually sing. ] ( pl. max·ima / ˈmæksɪmə; NAmE /) ( abbr. max ) the greatest amount, size, speed, etc. that is possible, recorded or allowed :
a maximum of 30 children in a class
The job will require you to use all your skills to the maximum .
The July maximum (= the highest temperature recorded in July) was 30°C.
What is the absolute maximum you can afford to pay?
—compare minimum
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent. (as a noun): from modern Latin , neuter (used as a noun) of the Latin adjective maximus , superlative of magnus great. The adjectival use dates from the early 19th cent.