ETYM Old Eng. most, mast, mest, as. maest; akin to Dutch meest, os. męst, German meist, Icel. mestr, Goth. maists; a superl. corresponding to Eng. more. Related to More.
1. (Superlative of 'many' used with count nouns; often preceded by 'the') Quantifier meaning the greatest in number.
2. (Superlative of 'much' used with mass nouns; usually preceded by 'the') Quantifier meaning the greatest in amount or extent or degree; used with mass nouns; usually follows 'the'.

ETYM as. maest. Related to Most.
1. Used to form the superlative; SYN. to the highest degree.
2. (Intensifier) Very.

The greatest number or amount or degree