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optical disk
optical double star
optical fiber
optical glass
optical illusion
optical isomerism
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optical rotation
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optical semiconductor
optical sound
optical tweezers
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optimum

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.

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