| estimate | A valuing or rating by the mind, without actually measuring, weighing, or the like; rough or approximate calculation; as, an estimate of the cost of a building, or of the quantity of water in a pond. "Weigh success in a moral balance, and our whole estimate is changed." (J. C. Shairp) Synonym: Estimate, Estimation, Esteem. The noun estimate, like its verb, supposes chiefly an exercise of judgment in determining the amount, importance, or magnitude of things, with their other exterior relations; as, an estimate of expenses incurred; a true estimate of life, etc. Esteem is a moral sentiment made up of respect and attachment, the valuation of a person as possessing useful qualities or real worth. Thus we speak of the esteem of the wise and good as a thing greatly to be desired. Estimation seems to waver between the two. In our version of the Scriptures it is used simply for estimate; as, "If he be poorer than thy estimation." . In other cases, it verges toward esteem; as, "I know him to be of worth and worthy estimation." . It will probably settle down at last on this latter sense. "Esteem is the value we place upon some degree of worth. It is higher than simple approbation, which is a decision of judgment. It is the commencement of affection." "No; dear as freedom is, and in my heart's Just estimation prized above all price." (Cowper) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| optimum | The best or most suitable; e.g., denoting the dose of a remedy likely to give most benefit with fewest side effects, the temperature or pH at which an enzyme has maximal activity. Origin: L. Ntr. Sing. Of optimus, best (05 Mar 2000) |
| optimum dose | The dose of a drug or radiation that will produce the desired effect with minimum likelihood of undesirable symptoms. (05 Mar 2000) |
| optimum pH | <biochemistry> The pH at which an enzyme has maximum potency and efficiency. (09 Oct 1997) |
| optimum temperature | The temperature at which any operation, such as the culture of any special microorganism, is best carried on. (05 Mar 2000) |