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Acme

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means the highest point of achievement or excellence

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

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

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.