acme

Where does the word "acme" come from? It comes from Greek akmē, and was adopted directly into English (1570s).

Acme’s story begins in Greek: akmē meant “peak, point.” A point or edge; the peak of anything. It reached English by 1570s as acme. Early English writers often printed it in Greek letters; the Acme company of Road Runner cartoons later made it a comic byword. Today, acme means the highest point of achievement or excellence.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient akmē "peak, point", a point or edge; the peak of anything.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1570s acme "peak", early English writers often printed it in Greek letters; the Acme company of Road Runner cartoons later made it a comic byword.