relative maxima

relative maximum

noun Mathematics.
maximum ( def 4a ). Unabridged


noun, plural maximums, maxima [mak-suh-muh] .
the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
an upper limit allowed or allowable by law or regulation.
Also called relative maximum, local maximum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is greater than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point. Compare absolute maximum.
the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.
that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained: maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.
pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

1730–40; < Latin, noun use of neuter of maximus, superlative of magnus great, large

maximumly, adverb
submaximum, adjective Unabridged
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World English Dictionary
maximum (ˈmæksɪməm)
n , pl -mums, -ma
1.  the greatest possible amount, degree, etc
2.  the highest value of a variable quantity
3.  maths
 a.  a value of a function that is greater than any neighbouring value
 b.  Compare minimum a stationary point on a curve at which the tangent changes from a positive value on the left of this point to a negative value on the right
 c.  the largest number in a set
4.  astronomy
 a.  the time at which the brightness of a variable star has its greatest value
 b.  the magnitude of the star at that time
5.  of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums
[C18: from Latin: greatest (the neuter form used as noun), from magnus great]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Word Origin & History

1740, from L. maximum, neut. of maximus "greatest," superl. of magnus "great, large" (see magnum).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

maximum max·i·mum (māk'sə-məm)
n. pl. max·i·mums or max·i·ma (-mə)

  1. The greatest possible quantity or degree.

  2. The greatest quantity or degree reached or recorded; the upper limit of variation.

  3. The time or period during which the highest point or degree is attained.

  1. Having or being the greatest quantity or the highest degree attained or attainable.

  2. Of, relating to, or making up a maximum.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
maximum   (māk'sə-məm)  Pronunciation Key 
Plural maximums or maxima
  1. The greatest known or greatest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.

  2. The greatest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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