maximum
noun/ˈmæksɪməm/
/ˈmæksɪməm/
[usually singular] (plural maxima
/ˈmæksɪmə/
/ˈmæksɪmə/
)(abbreviation max)
- the greatest amount, size, speed, etc. that is possible, recorded or allowed
- a maximum of 30 children in a class
- The July maximum (= the highest temperature recorded in July) was 30°C.
- What is the absolute maximum you can afford to pay?
- to the maximum The job will require you to use all your skills to the maximum.
- at the maximum a drive of four hours at the maximum
Extra ExamplesTopics Maths and measurementb2- Do not exceed the recommended maximum of three tablets a day.
- The amount you have to pay will be limited to a maximum of £500.
- You can claim the allowance for a maximum of six months.
- They fined her the maximum possible for the offence.
- He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjectivecompare minimum- absolute
- agreed
- recommended
- …
- achieve
- reach
- rise to
- …
- above (the) maximum
- below (the) maximum
- at (the) maximum
- …
- maximum possible
Word Originmid 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.Definitions on the go
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maximum