Advertisement
optimum (n.)
1879, from Latin optimum, neuter singular of optimus "best, very good" (used as a superlative of bonus "good"), perhaps (Watkins) related to ops "power, resources" (in which case the evolution is from "richest" to "the most esteemed," thus from PIE root *op- "to work, produce in abundance"); or perhaps it is related to ob "in front of" (de Vaan), with superlative suffix *-tumos.
In English the word was used originally in biology, in reference to "conditions most favorable" (for growth, metabolic processes, etc.). As an adjective, "best or most favorable," from 1885.
also from 1879
Advertisement
Trends of optimum
updated on September 14, 2019
Advertisement
Remove ads >
AdvertisementDictionary entries near optimum
optimism
optimist
optimistic
optimization
optimize
optimum
option
optional
optometrist
optometry
opulence