optimum definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

op·ti·mum [ óptəməm ]

noun (plural op·ti·ma [ óptəmə ] or op·ti·mums)

Definition:

best of several outcomes: the best out of a number of possible options or outcomes

adjective

Definition:

best: most desirable or favorable

optimum trading conditions

[Late 19th century. < Latin, "best thing" < optimus "best"]

Word Usage


	Note that the word optimum refers to quality, not quantity - it means "best," not "greatest" or "most": the optimum temperature for the storage of perishable foodstuffs. It often happens that the best is also the greatest or most, as in We are seeking the optimum return on our investment, which may be the reason for the confusion about the meaning of the word.