- peak⇄adj. reaching the highest point (as of capacity, activity, or production).
Ex. a peak output. Trains are now able to make extra runs during the peak hours (Harper's). A peak load is the maximum demand [for electricity] encountered in a given perio - peak⇄expr. peak out, to level off at a peak; come to the end of a rise.
Ex. Economists said that the cost of a home mortgage had probably already peaked out, and should start to decline soon (New York Times). It traces the rise, the peaking out, and the - peak⇄noun 1. the pointed top of a mountain or hill.
Ex. snowy peaks.
2. a mountain or hill that stands alone.
Ex. Pike's Peak.
3. any pointed end or top.
Ex. the peak of a roof, the peak of a beard.
4. (Figurative.) the - peak⇄peak (1), noun, verb, adjective.
- peak⇄peak (2), intransitive verb.
to droop in health and spirits; waste away.
Ex. peaking and pining over what people think of him (Charles Kingsley). - peak⇄v.i. to reach the highest point; come to a peak.
Ex. Winds peaked at 140 miles an hour (New York Times). Operations peaked at 84.5% of capacity in late May (Wall Street Journal). Unemployment peaked at 6.2% (Time). It may develop a typical pattern - peak⇄v.t. 1. to raise straight up; tilt up.
2. to raise the end of (as a yard or gaff) so that it is as nearly vertical as possible.
3. (Figurative.) to bring to a peak or head.