from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
optimize \op"ti*mize`\ ([o^]p"t[i^]*m[imac]z`) v. t. [imp. & p.
p. {optimized} ([o^]p"t[i^]*m[imac]zd`); p. pr. & vb. n.
{optimizing} ([o^]p"t[i^]*m[imac]`z[i^]ng).]
1. To make as useful, effective, or functional as possible;
as, to optimize the speed of a computer program.
Syn: optimise.
[WordNet 1.5]
2. To get the most out of; to use to the best effect; to
exploit fully; as, to optimize one's return on investment.
Syn: make optimal, optimise.
[WordNet 1.5]