peaked

Peaked is the past tense and past participle of the verb peak, and it can also function as an adjective describing something with a peak or pointed top. As a verb, peaked denotes having reached the highest point or maximum level at a particular time, after which it often declines. For example, “Demand for the product peaked in December” or “The temperature peaked at 32°C.” As an adjective, peaked describes objects with a pointed top or ridge, such as a peaked roof or a peaked cap.

In data presentation and analysis, peaked is commonly used to indicate a maximum in a distribution, time series, or curve. It can describe trends where a metric rises to a highest value before decreasing, or projections that expect a peak to occur in the future. In architecture and design, peaked describes shapes and forms that converge to a central apex, such as a peaked roof or a peaked canopy.

Usage considerations include nuance about time and shape. Peaked emphasizes the highest point reached or the presence of a peak, rather than the duration at that level. It is distinct from “peak” used as a noun or verb in other senses, where peak may refer to the highest point, the best period, or a summit, while peaked specifies a completed attainment or a characteristic with a peak form.