optimum

• POS: Adjective, Noun
• HYPHEN: op=ti=mum

CIDE DICTIONARY

optimum, adj. 

 Best possible or most desirable; -- usually under a restriction expressed or implied; as, an optimum return on capital; optimum concentration of a drug; an optimum result.  [WordNet 1.5]

optimum, n. 

 The most favorable condition, greatest degree, or largest amount possible under given circumstances.  [WordNet 1.5]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

optimum, n. & adj.
--n. (pl. optima or optimums)
1 a the most favourable conditions (for growth, reproduction, etc.). b the best or most favourable situation.
2 the best possible compromise between opposing tendencies.
--adj. = OPTIMAL.

Etymology

L, neut. (as n.) of optimus best

THESAURUS

optimum

best, capital, champion, choice, chosen, cream, elect, elite, excellent, exceptional, exemplar, extraordinary, fat, finest, first-class, first-rate, flower, for the best, greatest, handpicked, ideal, matchless, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, optimal, paragon, paramount, peerless, perfect, perfection, pick, picked, prime, prize, queen, quintessence, quintessential, select, sterling, superlative, supreme, surpassing, the best, the best ever, the tops, the very best, unexcelled, unique, unmatchable, unmatched, unparalleled, unsurpassed, very best