rearmost

the word 'rearmost' is a compound adjective formed within english from two native germanic elements. the first element, 'rear', evolved from middle english 'rere', denoting the back part or area, which itself has old norse and old english roots related to raising or setting up, but came to be associated with position. the second element is the superlative suffix 'most', from old english 'mǣst', used to form the highest degree of comparison. when combined, the literal construction "most at the rear" logically yields the modern meaning of furthest back or last in a series, a transparent and consistent development within the english language.

Structure: rear + most rear (from middle english 'rere', meaning the back part; of germanic origin) + most (from old english 'mǣst', a superlative suffix; of germanic origin)