| 释义 |
op·ti·mum
I. \-_məm\ noun
(plural opti·ma \-mə\ ; also optimums)
Etymology: Latin, neuter of optimus best — more at optimism
1. : the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end; especially : the most favorable condition (as of temperature, light, moisture, food) for the growth and reproduction of an organism
2.
a. : greatest degree (as of growth, activity, or effectiveness) attained under implied or specified conditions
< this pest reaches its optimum further south >
b. : a period of warmer and drier climate than that of the present
< the post-Wisconsin optimum of the northern hemisphere is considered to have occurred between 6000 B.C. and 3000 B.C. >
II. adjective
1. : most favorable or most conducive to a given end especially under fixed conditions
< optimum temperature for incubation >
< question is one of combining these various techniques to optimum advantage — H.V.R.Iengar >
2. : greatest or best possible under a restriction expressed or implied
< optimum safe speed >
< an optimum return on capital > |