topmost

Topmost is a general English adjective meaning located at the highest point in a given context, or occupying the highest position in a sequence, order, or hierarchy. It is used for physical placement—such as the topmost shelf, topmost branch, or topmost layer—as well as for figurative ranking, for example the topmost priority or the topmost concern.

Etymology: The word is formed by the combination of top with the superlative suffix -most, and it dates from Middle English into modern usage. It is closely related to other superlatives such as highest and loftiest, but topmost emphasizes positioning within a defined top layer or order.

Usage: In everyday language, topmost tends to imply a definite top layer or rank within a specified scope. It is commonly preferred when the notion of a clearly identifiable uppermost element exists. In technical writing, topmost can describe the outermost surface or the uppermost component in a stack or assembly.

Examples: The topmost shelf held the oldest books. The topmost floor is reserved for executives. In geology, the topmost layer of soil is usually the most weathered. The committee’s topmost priority was safety.

Noun use: Although uncommon, topmost can function as a noun in certain phrasings, as in "the topmost of the group," referring to the item or person at the highest position.

See also: highest, uppermost, loftiest, apex, pinnacle, top layer, upper layer.