extremum

noun

ex·​tre·​mum ik-ˈstrē-məm How to pronounce extremum (audio)
plural extrema ik-ˈstrē-mə How to pronounce extremum (audio)
: a maximum or a minimum of a mathematical function

called also extreme value

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of extremus

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremum was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near extremum

Cite this Entry

“Extremum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremum. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on extremum

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!