Maximum vs. Tops

The highest limit

(mathematics) The greatest value of a set or other mathematical structure, especially the global maximum or a local maximum of a function

(analysis) An upper bound of a set which is also an element of that set

(statistics) The largest value of a batch or sample or the upper bound of a probability distribution

A 147 break; the highest possible break

A score of 180 with three darts

A scoring shot for 6 runs

To the highest degree.

Example: ‘Use the proper dose for the maximum effect.’;

The greatest quantity or value attainable in a given case; or, the greatest value attained by a quantity which first increases and then begins to decrease; the highest point or degree; - opposed to minimum.

Example: ‘Good legislation is the art of conducting a nation to the maximum of happiness, and the minimum of misery.’;

Greatest in quantity or highest in degree attainable or attained; as, a maximum consumption of fuel; maximum pressure; maximum heat.

the largest possible quantity

the greatest possible degree;

Example: ‘he tried his utmost’;

the point on a curve where the tangent changes from positive on the left to negative on the right

the greatest or most complete or best possible;

Example: ‘maximal expansion’; ‘maximum pressure’;

as great, high, or intense as possible or permitted

Example: ‘the vehicle's maximum speed’; ‘a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment’;

denoting the greatest or highest point or amount attained

Example: ‘the maximum depth of the pool is 6 feet’;

the greatest amount, extent, or intensity possible, permitted, or recorded

Example: ‘production levels are near their maximum’; ‘the school takes a maximum of 32 pupils’;

a maximum permitted custodial sentence for an offence

Example: ‘an offence which carries a maximum of 14 years’;

at the most

Example: ‘the table has a length of 4 feet maximum’;

(informal) At the very most; as a maximum.

Example: ‘Your essay should be two pages, tops.’;

Great; excellent.

plural of top

(darts) The uppermost field of a dartboard; the double-20 field

Example: ‘Scoring 38 more points leaves him with tops for the win.’;

of the highest quality;

Example: ‘an ace reporter’; ‘a crack shot’; ‘a first-rate golfer’; ‘a super party’; ‘played top-notch tennis’; ‘an athlete in tiptop condition’; ‘she is absolutely tops’;