Average Method - A formula used with list PR systems to translate votes into seats. Party vote totals are divided by a series of devisors, under d'Hondt (by 1,2,3, etc.) or Sainte-Lagu (by 1,3,5, etc.) formula. After each stage the party with the highest average wins the seat. The count continues with party vote totals being divided by sequential numbers until all seats are filled.

approaching or constituting a maximum; "maximal temperature"; "maximum speed"; "working at peak efficiency"

highest and most significant; "his highest achievement"