peak 1 (p k)n. 1. A tapering, projecting point; a pointed extremity: the peak of a cap; the peak of a roof. 2. Abbr. Pk. a. The pointed summit of a mountain. b. The mountain itself. 3. a. The point of a beard. b. A widow's peak. 4. The point of greatest development, value, or intensity: a novel written at the peak of the writer's career. See Synonyms at summit. 5. Physics The highest value attained by a varying quantity: a peak in current. 6. Nautical a. The narrow portion of a ship's hull at the bow or stern. b. The upper after corner of a fore-and-aft sail. c. The outermost end of a gaff. v. peaked, peak·ing, peaks v.tr. 1. Nautical To raise (a gaff) above the horizontal. 2. To bring to a maximum of development, value, or intensity. v.intr. 1. To be formed into a peak or peaks: Beat the egg whites until they peak. 2. To achieve a maximum of development, value, or intensity: Sales tend to peak just before the holidays. adj. Approaching or constituting the maximum: working at peak efficiency. [Probably Middle English pike, peke; see pike5.] |
| peak 2 (pk) intr.v. peaked, peak·ing, peaks To become sickly, emaciated, or pale. [Origin unknown.] |
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