maximum
n. · adj.-
1 highest limit (n.) B1 Intermediatethe largest amount or highest level that is possible or allowed.
the greatest quantity or degree reached or permitted.
ExampleThe maximum number of people allowed in the lift is eight.
ExampleThe legal maximum for noise levels in residential areas is strictly enforced after ten o'clock at night.
UsageOften used with 'of' followed by a plural noun.
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2 math/statistics (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Technical Maththe largest value in a group of numbers or a graph.
the greatest value of a set, sample, or mathematical function.
ExampleThe graph shows a maximum at the point where the temperature was highest.
ExampleTo find the local maximum, the student had to calculate the first derivative of the function and solve for zero.
UsageThe plural can be either 'maximums' or the more formal 'maxima'.
- global maximum
- local maximum
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3 maximum security prison (n.) C1 Advanced Informal Lawa type of prison for the most dangerous criminals.
a classification of prison facility designed for high-risk inmates requiring the highest level of control.
ExampleHe was sentenced to twenty years in maximum for his crimes.
ExampleAfter the attempted escape, the prisoner was transferred from a medium-security facility to maximum.
Teacher's tipIn this sense, 'maximum' is used as a shorthand noun for 'maximum security prison' in informal or journalistic contexts.
- high security
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4 greatest possible (adj.) B1 Intermediatebeing the largest amount or highest level possible.
denoting the greatest possible amount, degree, or intensity.
ExampleThe car can reach a maximum speed of 120 miles per hour.
ExampleThe project requires maximum effort from every team member if we are to meet the deadline by Friday.
Via French from Latin maximum.