verb (used with object), op·ti·mized, op·ti·miz·ing.
- to make as effective, perfect, or useful as possible.
- to make the best of.
- Computers. to write or rewrite (the instructions in a program) so as to maximize efficiency and speed in retrieval, storage, or execution.
- Mathematics. to determine the maximum or minimum values of (a specified function that is subject to certain constraints).
verb (used without object), op·ti·mized, op·ti·miz·ing.
- to be optimistic.
verb
- (tr) to take the full advantage of
- (tr) to plan or carry out (an economic activity) with maximum efficiency
- (intr) to be optimistic
- (tr) to write or modify (a computer program) to achieve maximum efficiency in storage capacity, time, cost, etc
- (tr) to find the best compromise among several often conflicting requirements, as in engineering design
v.1844, “to act as an optimist,” back-formation from optimist. Meaning “to make the most of” is first recorded 1857. Related: Optimized; optimizing.