optimum
Use Optimum in a sentence
tə 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; < Latin: noun use of neuter of optimus best, suppletive superlative of bonus good
1875–80; < Latin: noun use of neuter of optimus best, suppletive superlative of bonus good
Synonyms
3. ideal, perfect, optimal.
3. ideal, perfect, optimal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To optimum
Collins
World English Dictionary
optimum (ˈɒptɪməm) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n , pl -ma, -mums | |
| 1. | a condition, degree, amount or compromise that produces the best possible result |
| —adj | |
| 2. | most favourable or advantageous; best: optimum conditions |
| [C19: from Latin: the best (thing), from optimus best; see | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Optimum
is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Etymonline
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, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
In fact, a large economy is unlikely ever to be a perfect optimum currency area.
It's also ideal for shortening your earphones to optimum length.
Water exercises involve no impact, overheating is unlikely, and swimming face down promotes optimum blood flow to the uterus.
In the late sixties a study concluded that the optimum ratio between the highest and lowest salary was eight to one.
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