ˈmaksə̇m noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English maxime, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin maxima, from Latin, feminine of maximus greatest, largest, superl. of magnus great, large — more at much
1. : a mathematical or philosophical axiom
2.
a. : a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct especially when expressed in sententious form
b. : a saying of proverbial nature
3. or max·i·ma -səmə
[probably from (assumed) New Latin maxima, from Latin, feminine of maximus greatest, largest]
: large III 4
4.
[Latin maximus greatest, largest]
: a large worker or soldier of an ant that has polymorphic workers — compare minim