I. -_məm noun
( plural opti·ma -mə ; also optimums )
Etymology: Latin, neuter of optimus best — more at optimism
1. : the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end ; especially : the most favorable condition (as of temperature, light, moisture, food) for the growth and reproduction of an organism
2.
a. : greatest degree (as of growth, activity, or effectiveness) attained under implied or specified conditions
this pest reaches its optimum further south
b. : a period of warmer and drier climate than that of the present
the post-Wisconsin optimum of the northern hemisphere is considered to have occurred between 6000 B.C. and 3000 B.C.
II. adjective
1. : most favorable or most conducive to a given end especially under fixed conditions
optimum temperature for incubation
question is one of combining these various techniques to optimum advantage — H.V.R.Iengar
2. : greatest or best possible under a restriction expressed or implied
optimum safe speed
an optimum return on capital