1. A saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
   "the doctrine of sovereign immunity originated with the maxim that the king can do no wrong";
   - axiom
    
2. A fundamental rule, truth, or guideline for action or conduct
   "Honesty is a fundamental maxim in her life";
   - principle, precept

1. English inventor (born in the United States) who invented the Maxim gun that was used in World War I (1840-1916)
   - Hiram Maxim, Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim

Derived forms: maxims, Maxims

Type of: artificer, discoverer, expression, inventor, locution, prescript, rule, saying

Part of: ethic, ethical code

Encyclopedia: Maxim, New Jersey