maximum

Pluralmaxima, maximums

1. 1
   adjective

   As large, high, or strong as is possible or allowed.

   The maximum speed near the school is 25 miles per hour.

   She turned the music up to maximum volume.

   UsagePut it before the thing: maximum speed. Do not add more or most.

   Similarmaximal

   Oppositeminimum, minimal

2. 2
   nouncountable

   The largest amount or number that is allowed or possible.

   Like the fill line on a measuring cup: you cannot go past it.

   The elevator can hold a maximum of ten people.

   The class reached its maximum, so the school could not add more students.

   UsageSay a maximum of ten people. More than one: maximums or maxima.

   Similarlimit, ceiling, cap, peak, top

   Oppositeminimum

   Note
3. 3
   adverb

   Not more than. You say it after a number to give the highest amount.

   The walk to school takes twenty minutes maximum.

   Each child can invite two friends maximum.

   UsagePut it after the number: two friends maximum. Or say at most two.

   Similartops

4. 4
   largest value (math)nouncountable

   In math and statistics, the biggest number in a group of values, or the highest point a graph reaches.

   Like the top of a hill: the highest point before the path goes down again.

   The maximum of the numbers 3, 8, and 5 is 8.

   The line on the graph rises to its maximum and then falls again.

   UsageIn math, more than one is usually maxima: two local maxima.

   Note

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