ultimate — ODE

ultimate /ˈʌltɪmət

▸ adjective

1 being or happening at the end of a process; final:

their ultimate aim was to force his resignation.

▪ basic or fundamental:

the ultimate constituents of anything that exists are atoms.

▪ Physics denoting the maximum possible strength or resistance beyond which an object breaks.

2 being the best or most extreme example of its kind:

the ultimate accolade.

▸ noun

1 (the ultimate) the best achievable or imaginable of its kind:

the ultimate in decorative luxury.

2 a final or fundamental fact or principle.

3 North American English short for Ultimate Frisbee

– DERIVATIVES

ultimacy /ˈʌltɪməsi/ noun

(plural ultimacies)

– ORIGIN mid 17th century: from late Latin ultimatus, past participle of ultimare ‘come to an end’.