Maximal: meaning, definitions and examples
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maximal
[ ˈmæksɪməl ]
extent, amount
Maximal refers to the greatest or utmost extent, amount, or degree that something can achieve. It is often used in contexts that discuss limits or thresholds. For example, the maximal temperature indicates the highest possible temperature, while in mathematics, it can be associated with maximal values in functions or sets. In various scientific fields, maximal is used to describe optimal conditions or limits where systems operate most effectively.
Synonyms
greatest, highest, optimal, pinnacle, utmost
Examples of usage
- The maximal temperature for this experiment is 100 degrees Celsius.
- He achieved his maximal effort during the race.
- The plant can survive under maximal sunlight conditions.
Translations
Translations of the word "maximal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 máximo
🇮🇳 अधिकतम
🇩🇪 maximal
🇮🇩 maksimal
🇺🇦 максимальний
🇵🇱 maksymalny
🇯🇵 最大の
🇫🇷 maximal
🇪🇸 máximo
🇹🇷 maksimal
🇰🇷 최대의
🇸🇦 أقصى
🇨🇿 maximální
🇸🇰 maximálny
🇨🇳 最大
🇸🇮 maksimalen
🇮🇸 maksímum
🇰🇿 максималды
🇬🇪 მაქსიმალური
🇦🇿 maksimal
🇲🇽 máximo
Word origin
The term 'maximal' is derived from the Latin word 'maximus', which means 'greatest'. It is constructed from the root 'max', referring to maximum limits or highest values. The prefix 'al' is used in English to turn a noun into an adjective, thus forming 'maximal' to describe the greatest extent of something. This word has been used in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and economics, to describe optimal limits or peak conditions since the 19th century. Its prevalence in academic and technical language reflects the need to express concepts of extremity or optimization in disciplines that rely heavily on quantitative measures.