I. ˈmaksəməm noun
( plural maximums -səməmz ; or maxi·ma -səmə)
Etymology: Latin, neuter of maximus greatest, largest — more at maxim
1. : the greatest quantity or value attainable in a given case : the greatest value attained by a quantity that first increases and then begins to decrease : the highest point or degree : the time or period of highest, greatest, or utmost development — opposed to minimum
2. : an upper limit allowed by law or other authority
3.
a. : a number not less than any other number of a finite set of numbers
b. : a value of a mathematical function of one or more independent variables such that either increasing or decreasing any one of the independent variables by a sufficiently small amount results in a decrease in the function
II. adjective
1. : greatest in quantity or highest in degree attainable or attained
maximum pressure
2. : relating to, marking, or determining a maximum
maintaining a steady maximum line on the graph