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optimum

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op⋅ti⋅mum

  [op-tuh-muhm] noun, plural -ma  [-muh] , -mums, adjective
Use optimum in a Sentence
–noun
1. the best or most favorable point, degree, amount, etc., as of temperature, light, and moisture for the growth or reproduction of an organism.
2. the greatest degree or best result obtained or obtainable under specific conditions.
–adjective
3. most favorable or desirable; best: optimum conditions.
Origin:
1875–80; < L: n. use of neut. of optimus best, suppletive superl. of bonus good

Synonyms:
3. ideal, perfect, optimal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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op·ti·mum   (ŏp'tə-məm)   
n.   pl. op·ti·ma (-mə) or op·ti·mums

  1. The point at which the condition, degree, or amount of something is the most favorable.

  2. Biology The most favorable condition for growth and reproduction.

adj.  Most favorable or advantageous; best.

[Latin, neuter sing. of optimus, best; see op- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

optimum 
1879, from L. optimum, neut. sing. of optimus "best" (used as a superl. of bonus "good"), probably related to ops "power, resources" (in which case the evolution is from "richest" to "the most esteemed") or to ob "in front of," with superlative suffix *-tumos. Originally in biology, in ref. to "conditions most favorable" (for growth, etc.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: op·ti·mum
Pronunciation: 'äp-t&-m&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural op·ti·ma /-m&/ also op·ti·mums
1 : the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end; especially : the mostfavorable condition for the growth and reproduction of an organism
2 : greatest degree attained or attainable under implied or specified conditions —optimum adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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