The word "lowermost" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈloʊərmoʊst/. The first syllable "low" is pronounced with the diphthong /oʊ/, which represents the long "o" sound combined with the "u" sound. The second syllable "er" is pronounced with the schwa vowel sound /ə/. The third syllable "most" is pronounced with the long "o" sound /oʊ/ followed by the voiceless "s" sound /s/ and the unvoiced "t" sound /t/. The word meaning refers to the bottommost position in a hierarchy or physical arrangement.
Lowermost is an adjective that refers to the lowest part, position, or degree of something. It describes the bottommost or most inferior part of an object, area, or hierarchy. The term is typically used to indicate the lowest level relative to other things or the base from which something rises or extends.
In a physical sense, lowermost can describe the deepest part of a body of water, such as the lowermost depths of the ocean. It can also refer to the bottommost layer of a stack of objects, like the lowermost book on a shelf. In terms of geography, lowermost denotes the most southern or lowest situated area within a region, such as the lowermost point of a mountain range or the lowest part of a valley.
Moreover, lowermost can describe the least advanced or lowest-ranking position within a social or hierarchical structure. For example, in a formal organization, the lowermost employee would be at the bottom of the organizational chart. In a class system, the lowermost social class would be at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
Overall, lowermost defines the position or state that is at the lowest level, deepest point, or most inferior part of something, often highlighting distinction, direction, or rank in relation to other objects, places, or individuals.
Superl. deg. of low; another form of lowest-see low 1.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lowermost" consists of two parts: "lower" and "-most".
The word "lower" comes from the Old English word "lāra", which means "low" or "base". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lēwaz" and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "lewg-", meaning "to bend" or "to bend down".
The suffix "-most" is an Old English suffix that means "most" or "furthest". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "-mōstaz".
Therefore, "lowermost" means the furthest or most low or base.