peak

(pēk)

1. A tapering, projecting point; a pointed extremity: the peak of a cap; the peak of a roof.
2. Abbr. Pk.
   a. The pointed summit of a mountain.
   b. The mountain itself.
3. a. The point of a beard.
   b. A widow's peak.
4. The point of greatest development, value, or intensity: a novel written at the peak of the writer's career. See Synonyms at summit.
5. Physics The highest value attained by a varying quantity: a peak in current.
6. Nautical
   a. The narrow portion of a ship's hull at the bow or stern.
   b. The upper after corner of a fore-and-aft sail.
   c. The outermost end of a gaff.

1. Nautical To raise (a gaff) above the horizontal.
2. To bring to a maximum of development, value, or intensity.

1. To be formed into a peak or peaks: Beat the egg whites until they peak.
2. To achieve a maximum of development, value, or intensity: Sales tend to peak just before the holidays.

(pēk)