maximum
♦ maxi|mum /m'æksɪməm/
1 [ADJ] ADJ n
You use maximum to describe an amount which is the largest that is possible, allowed, or required.
Under planning law the maximum height for a fence or hedge is 2 metres...
China headed the table with maximum points.
≠ minimum
[N-SING] oft a N of amount
Maximum is also a noun.
The law provides for a maximum of two years in prison...
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
You use maximum to indicate how great an amount is.
...the maximum amount of information...
It was achieved with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency.
...a maximum security prison.
≠ minimum
3 [ADV] amount ADV
If you say that something is a particular amount maximum, you mean that this is the greatest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a smaller amount is acceptable or very possible.
We need an extra 6g a day maximum.
≠ minimum
4 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you say that someone does something to the maximum, you are emphasizing that they do it to the greatest degree possible.
You have to develop your capabilities to the maximum.
= to the full
1 [ADJ] ADJ n
You use maximum to describe an amount which is the largest that is possible, allowed, or required.
Under planning law the maximum height for a fence or hedge is 2 metres...
China headed the table with maximum points.
≠ minimum
[N-SING] oft a N of amount
Maximum is also a noun.
The law provides for a maximum of two years in prison...
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
You use maximum to indicate how great an amount is.
...the maximum amount of information...
It was achieved with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency.
...a maximum security prison.
≠ minimum
3 [ADV] amount ADV
If you say that something is a particular amount maximum, you mean that this is the greatest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a smaller amount is acceptable or very possible.
We need an extra 6g a day maximum.
≠ minimum
4 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you say that someone does something to the maximum, you are emphasizing that they do it to the greatest degree possible.
You have to develop your capabilities to the maximum.
= to the full