Etymology
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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.

Entries linking to optimum

*op- 

Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to work, produce in abundance."

It forms all or part of: cooperate; cooperation; copious; copy; cornucopia; hors d'oeuvre; inure; maneuver; manure; oeuvre; office; official; officinal; omni-; omnibus; omnium gatherum; op. cit.; opera; operate; operation; operose; optimism; optimum; opulence; opulent; opus; Oscan.

It is the hypothetical source of/evidence for its existence is provided by: Sanskrit apas- "work, religious act," apnas- "possession, property;" Hittite happina- "rich;" Avestan huapah- "doing good work, masterly;" Latin opus "a work, labor, exertion;" Greek ompne "food, corn;" Old High German uoben "to start work, to practice, to honor;" German üben "to exercise, practice;" Dutch oefenen, Old Norse æfa, Danish øve "to exercise, practice;" Old English æfnan "to perform, work, do," afol "power."

optimacy (n.)

"government by the nobles or upper classes," 1590s, from Modern Latin optimatia, from Latin optimas (plural optimates) "belonging to the best or noblest," in plural, "aristocrats," from optimus "best" (see optimum).

updated on September 13, 2019

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Dictionary entries near optimum

optimism

optimist

optimistic

optimization

optimize

optimum

option

optional

optometrist

optometry

opulence

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