Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Maximum \Max"i*mum\, n.; pl. {Maxima}. [L., neut. from maximus
   the greatest. See {Maxim}.]
   The greatest quantity or value attainable in a given case;
   or, the greatest value attained by a quantity which first
   increases and then begins to decrease; the highest point or
   degree; -- opposed to {minimum}.

         Good legislation is the art of conducting a nation to
         the maximum of happiness, and the minimum of misery.
                                                  --P.
                                                  Colquhoun.

   {Maximum thermometer}, a thermometer that registers the
      highest degree of temperature attained in a given time, or
      since its last adjustment.

Source : WordNet®

maximum
     adj : the greatest or most complete or best possible; "maximal
           expansion"; "maximum pressure" [syn: {maximal}] [ant: {minimal},
            {minimal}]
     [also: {maxima} (pl)]

maximum
     n 1: the largest possible quantity [syn: {upper limit}] [ant: {minimum}]
     2: the greatest possible degree; "he tried his utmost" [syn: {utmost},
         {uttermost}, {level best}]
     3: the point on a curve where the tangent changes from positive
        on the left to negative on the right [ant: {minimum}]
     [also: {maxima} (pl)]

maxima
     See {maximum}