paramount

adjective

1. chief in importance or impact; supreme; preeminent: a point of paramount significance.
2. above others in rank or authority; superior in power or jurisdiction.

noun

3. a supreme ruler; overlord.

noun

1. a city in SW California, near Los Angeles.

adjective

1. of the greatest importance or significance; pre-eminent

noun

2. rare a supreme ruler

adj.1530s, from Anglo-French paramont, Old French paramont “above” (in place, order, degree), mid-14c., from Old French par “by,” from Latin per “through, for, by” (see per (prep.)) + amont “up,” from a mont “upward” (see amount (v.)). The whole from Latin per ad montem, literally “to the hill.”