Final answer:
The maximum peak of a wave is described as the amplitude, which is the highest displacement from the wave's equilibrium position. It is a critical factor in determining the energy carried by the wave.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the maximum peak of a wave is known as the amplitude of the wave. This is the maximum displacement or deformation of the wave from its equilibrium or rest position. In a transverse wave, this would be the distance from the center line (equilibrium) to the top of the crest or to the bottom of the trough. The crest is the highest point the medium rises to, and the trough is the lowest point the medium sinks to. The amplitude is a crucial aspect of a wave as it is directly related to the energy carried by the wave, with greater amplitudes indicating more energy.