optim

a. Best possible; most desirable; optimum; as, the optimal concentration of a drug. [ PJC ]

a. [ L. optimas, -atis, adj., optimates, n. pl., the adherents of the best men, the aristocrats, fr. optimus the best. ] Of or pertaining to the nobility or aristocracy. [ R. ] -- n. A nobleman or aristocrat; a chief man in a state or city. [ R. ] Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. pl. [ L. See Optimate. ] The nobility or aristocracy of ancient Rome, as opposed to the populares. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L., adv. fr. optimus the best. ] One of those who stand in the second rank of honors, immediately after the wranglers, in the University of Cambridge, England. They are divided into senior and junior optimes. [ 1913 Webster ]

pos>v. t. Same as optimize. [ Chiefly Brit. ] [ PJC ]

n. [ L. optimus the best; akin to optio choice: cf. F. optimisme. See Option. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Metaph.) The opinion or doctrine that everything in nature, being the work of God, is ordered for the best, or that the ordering of things in the universe is such as to produce the highest good. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A habitual tendency or a present disposition to take the most hopeful view of future events, and to expect a favorable outcome even when unfavorable outcomes are possible; -- opposed to pessimism. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

n. [ Cf. F. optimiste. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Metaph.) One who holds the opinion that all events are ordered for the best. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who looks on the bright side of things, or takes hopeful views; one who experiences optimism{ 2 }; -- opposed to pessimist. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. (Metaph.) Of or pertaining to optimism; tending, or conforming, to the opinion that all events are ordered for the best. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hopeful; sanguine; as, an optimistic view. [ 1913 Webster ]