The Wordsmith Dictionary

su per ac id |ˈso͞opərˌasid ˈsupəræsəd | ▶noun Chemistry a solution of a strong acid in a very acidic (usually nonaqueous ) solvent, functioning as a powerful protonating agent. DERIVATIVES su per a cid i ty |ˌso͞opərəˈsiditē |noun

superadd

su per add |ˌso͞opərˈad ˈsupəræd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] rare add (something ) to what has already been added: (as adj. superadded ) : the presence of superadded infection by bacteria. DERIVATIVES su per ad di tion |-əˈdiSHən |noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin superaddere (see super-, add ).

superadiabatic

su per ad i a bat ic |ˌso͞opərˌādīəˈbatik, -ˌadēə -ˌsupərædiaˈbædɪk | ▶adjective chiefly Meteorology relating to or denoting a temperature gradient which is steeper than that occurring in adiabatic conditions.

superalloy

su per al loy |ˈso͞opərˌaloi ˈsupərælɔɪ | ▶noun an alloy capable of withstanding high temperatures, high stresses, and often highly oxidizing atmospheres.

superaltar

super |altar |ˈsuːpərɔːltə, -rɒl -, sjuː -| ▶noun a portable slab of stone consecrated for use where there is no consecrated altar. ORIGIN Middle English: from medieval Latin superaltare, from super- ‘over ’ + late Latin altar (e )‘altar ’.

superannuate

su per an nu ate |ˌso͞opərˈanyo͞oˌāt ˌsupərˈænjəweɪt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. be superannuated ) retire (someone ) with a pension: his pilot's license was withdrawn and he was superannuated. DERIVATIVES su per an nu a ble |-ˈanyo͞oəbəl |adjective ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: back-formation from superannuated, from medieval Latin superannuatus, from Latin super- ‘over ’ + annus ‘year. ’

superannuated

su per an nu at ed |ˌso͞opərˈanyo͞oˌātid suːpərˈænjueɪtɪd | ▶adjective (of a position or employee ) belonging to a superannuation plan: she is not superannuated and has no paid vacation. • obsolete through age or new technological or intellectual developments: superannuated computing equipment.

superannuation

su per an nu a tion |ˌso͞opərˌanyo͞oˈāSHən suːpərænjuˈeɪʃn | ▶noun [ usu. as modifier ] regular payment made into a fund by an employee toward a future pension: a superannuation fund. • a pension of this type paid to a retired person. • the process of superannuating an employee.

superb

su perb |so͞oˈpərb, sə -suˈpərb | ▶adjective 1 excellent: a superb performance. 2 impressively splendid: a superb Egyptian statue of Osiris. DERIVATIVES su perb ly adverb, su perb ness noun ORIGIN mid 16th cent. ( sense 2 ): from Latin superbus ‘proud, magnificent. ’

superbike

super |bike ▶noun a high-performance motorcycle.

Super Bowl

Su per Bowl |ˈsupər ˌboʊl | ▶noun the National Football League championship game, played annually between the champions of the National and the American Football Conferences.

superbug

su per bug |ˈso͞opərˌbəg ˈsuːpərbʌɡ | ▶noun 1 a bacterium that is useful in biotechnology, typically one that has been genetically engineered to enhance its usefulness for a particular purpose. 2 a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotic drugs. • an insect that is difficult to control or eradicate, esp. because it has become immune to insecticides.

supercalender

su per cal en der |ˈso͞opərˌkaləndər ˈsupərˌkæləndər | ▶verb [ with obj. ] give a highly glazed finish to (paper ) by calendering it more than normally calendered paper: (as adj. supercalendered ) : a supercalendered art paper.

supercar

super |car ▶noun a high-performance sports car.

supercargo

su per car go |ˈso͞opərˌkärgō ˈsupərkɑrɡoʊ | ▶noun ( pl. supercargoes or supercargos ) a representative of the ship's owner on board a merchant ship, responsible for overseeing the cargo and its sale. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: alteration of earlier supracargo, from Spanish sobrecargo, from sobre ‘over ’ + cargo ‘cargo. ’

supercede

su per cede ▶verb variant spelling of supersede. usage: The standard spelling is supersede, not supercede. The word is derived from the Latin verb supersedere but has been influenced by the presence of other words in English spelled with -cede, such as intercede and accede. The spelling supercede is recorded as early as the 16th century, but is still regarded as incorrect.

supercell

su per cell |ˈso͞opərˌsel ˈsupərsel | ▶noun Meteorology a system producing severe thunderstorms and featuring rotating winds sustained by a prolonged updraft that may result in hail or tornadoes.

supercentenarian

su per cen te nar i an |ˌso͞opərˌsentnˈe (ə )rēən ˌsupərsɛntnˈɛriən | ▶noun a person who is 110 years old or older.

supercharge

su per charge |ˈso͞opərˌCHärj ˈsupərˌtʃɑrʤ | ▶verb [ with obj. ] fit or design (an internal combustion engine ) with a supercharger: (as adj. supercharged ) : a supercharged 3.8-liter V6. • (usu. as adj. supercharged ) supply with extra energy or power: a supercharged computer. • (as adj. supercharged ) having powerful emotional overtones or associations: his trademark supercharged hot-air statements.

supercharger

su per charg er |ˈso͞opərˌCHärjər ˈsupərˌtʃɑrʤər | ▶noun a device that increases the pressure of the fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine, used in order to achieve greater efficiency.

superciliary

su per cil i ar y |ˌso͞opərˈsilēˌerē ˌsupərˈsɪlieri | ▶adjective [ attrib. ] Anatomy of or relating to the eyebrow or the region over the eye. ORIGIN mid 18th cent.: from Latin supercilium ‘eyebrow ’ (from super- ‘above ’ + cilium ‘eyelid ’) + -ary 1 .

supercilious

su per cil i ous |ˌso͞opərˈsilēəs ˌsupərˈsɪliəs | ▶adjective behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others: a supercilious lady's maid. DERIVATIVES su per cil i ous ly adverb, su per cil i ous ness noun ORIGIN early 16th cent.: from Latin superciliosus ‘haughty, ’ from supercilium ‘eyebrow. ’

superclass

su per class |ˈso͞opərˌklas ˈsupərklæs | ▶noun Biology a taxonomic category that ranks above class and below phylum.

supercluster

su per clus ter |ˈso͞opərˌkləstər ˈsupərkləstər | ▶noun Astronomy a cluster of galaxies which themselves occur as clusters.

supercoil

su per coil |ˈso͞opərˌkoil ˈsupərkɔɪl |Biochemistry ▶noun another term for superhelix. ▶verb [ with obj. ] form (a substance ) into a superhelix: (as adj. supercoiled ) : a supercoiled circular DNA molecule.

supercollider

su per col lid er |ˈso͞opərkəˌlīdər ˈsupərkəˌlaɪdər | ▶noun Physics a collider in which superconducting magnets are used to accelerate particles to energies of millions of megavolts.

supercomputer

su per com put er |ˈso͞opərkəmˌpyo͞otər ˈsupərkəmˌpjudər | ▶noun a particularly powerful mainframe computer. DERIVATIVES su per com put ing |-ˌpyo͞otiNG |noun

superconductivity

superconductor

su per con duc tor |ˈso͞opərkənˌdəktər ˈsupərkənˌdəktər | ▶noun Physics a substance capable of becoming superconducting at sufficiently low temperatures. • a substance in the superconducting state.

superconscious

su per con scious |ˌso͞opərˈkänSHəs ˌsupərˈkɑnʃəs | ▶adjective transcending human or normal consciousness: the superconscious, universal mind of God. DERIVATIVES su per con scious ly adverb, su per con scious ness noun

supercontinent

su per con ti nent |ˈso͞opərˌkäntn -ənt ˈsupərˌkɑnt (ə )nənt | ▶noun each of several large landmasses (notably Pangaea, Gondwana, and Laurasia ) thought to have divided to form the present continents in the geological past.

supercool

su per cool |ˌso͞opərˈko͞ol ˈsupərkul | ▶verb [ with obj. ] Chemistry cool (a liquid ) below its freezing point without solidification or crystallization. • [ no obj. ] Biology (of a living organism ) survive body temperatures below the freezing point of water. ▶adjective informal extremely attractive, impressive, or calm: the supercool tracks in this collection.

supercritical

su per crit i cal |ˌso͞opərˈkritikəl ˌsupərˈkrɪdəkəl | ▶adjective Physics above a critical threshold, in particular: • (in nuclear physics ) containing or involving more than the critical mass. • (of a flow of fluid ) faster than the speed at which waves travel in the fluid. • denoting an airfoil or aircraft wing designed to tolerate shock-wave formation at transonic speeds. • of, relating to, or denoting a fluid at a temperature and pressure greater than its critical temperature and pressure.

superdelegate

su per del e gate |ˈso͞opərˌdeləgət ˈsupərˌdɛləɡət | ▶noun (in the Democratic Party ) an unelected delegate who is free to support any candidate for the presidential nomination at the party's national convention.

super-duper

su per-du per |ˌso͞opər ˈdo͞opər ˈˌsupər ˈdupər | ▶adjective humorous very good; marvelous: this new line of toys is super-duper.

superego

su per e go |ˌso͞opərˈēgō ˈˌsupərˈˌiɡoʊ | ▶noun ( pl. superegos ) Psychoanalysis the part of a person's mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards learned from parents and teachers. Compare with ego and id.

superelevation

su per el e va tion |ˌso͞opərˌeləˈvāSHən ˈˌsupərˌɛləˈveɪʃən | ▶noun the amount by which the outer edge of a curve on a road or railroad is banked above the inner edge.

supereminent

su per em i nent |ˌso͞opərˈemənənt ˌsupərˈɛmənənt | ▶adjective chiefly dated term for preeminent. DERIVATIVES su per em i nence noun, su per em i nent ly adverb ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin supereminent- ‘rising above, ’ from the verb supereminere ‘rise above ’ (see super-, eminent ).

supererogation

su per er o ga tion |ˌso͞opərˌerəˈgāSHən ˌsupərˌɛrəˈɡeɪʃən | ▶noun the performance of more work than duty requires. PHRASES works of supererogation (in the Roman Catholic Church ) actions believed to form a reserve fund of merit that can be drawn on by prayer in favor of sinners. DERIVATIVES su per e rog a to ry |-əˈrägəˌtôrē |adjective ORIGIN early 16th cent.: from late Latin supererogatio (n- ), from supererogare ‘pay in addition, ’ from super- ‘over ’ + erogare ‘pay out. ’

superette

su per ette |ˌso͞opərˈet ˌsupərˈɛt | ▶noun a small supermarket. ORIGIN 1930s: from supermarket + -ette .

superfamily

su per fam i ly |ˈso͞opərˌfam (ə )lē ˈsupərfæməli | ▶noun ( pl. superfamilies ) Biology a taxonomic category that ranks above family and below order. • Linguistics another term for phylum.

superfatted

super |fat ¦ted |ˌsuːpəˈfatɪd, sjuː -| ▶adjective (of soap ) containing excess fats compared with its alkali content.

superfecundation

su per fe cun da tion |ˌso͞opərˌfekənˈdāSHən ˈˌsupərˌfɛkənˈdeɪʃən | ▶noun Medicine & Zoology another term for superfetation.

superfetation

su per fe ta tion |ˌso͞opərˌfēˈtāSHən ˈˌsupərˌfiˈteɪʃən | ▶noun Medicine & Zoology the occurrence of a second conception during pregnancy, giving rise to embryos of different ages in the uterus. • the accretion of one thing on another: the superfetation of ideas. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French superfétation or modern Latin superfetatio (n- ), from Latin superfetare, from super- ‘above ’ + fetus ‘fetus. ’

superficial

su per fi cial |ˌso͞opərˈfiSHəl ˌsupərˈfɪʃəl | ▶adjective existing or occurring at or on the surface: the building suffered only superficial damage. • situated or occurring on the skin or immediately beneath it: the superficial muscle groups. • appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely: the resemblance between the breeds is superficial. • not thorough, deep, or complete; cursory: he had only the most superficial knowledge of foreign countries. • not having or showing any depth of character or understanding: perhaps I was a superficial person. DERIVATIVES su per fi ci al i ty |-ˌfiSHēˈalitē |noun ( pl. superficialities ), su per fi cial ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies (see superficies ).

superficially

su per fi cial ly |ˌso͞opərˈfiSHəlē suːpərˈfɪʃəli | ▶adverb 1 as to the outward appearance only; on the surface: [ as submodifier ] : the theory is superficially attractive | [ sentence adverb ] : superficially, they have little in common. 2 not thoroughly or deeply: I understood the issue only superficially. 3 at or on the surface or skin: he was superficially wounded in the neck.

superficies

su per fi ci es |ˌso͞opərˈfiSHēz, -ˈfiSHē -ēz ˌsupərˈfɪʃiz | ▶noun ( pl. same ) archaic a surface: the superficies of a sphere. • an outward part or appearance: the superficies of life. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin, from super- ‘above ’ + facies ‘face. ’

superfine

su per fine |ˌso͞opərˈfīn ˈˌsupərˈˌfaɪn | ▶adjective 1 of especially high quality: superfine upholstery. 2 (of fibers or an instrument ) very thin: superfine tweezers. • consisting of especially small particles: superfine sugar. ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘excessively elegant ’): from super- ‘to a high degree ’ + fine 1 .

superfine sugar

su per fine sug ar ▶noun finely granulated white sugar that dissolves quickly and is used in cold drinks and baking.

superfluidity

su per flu id i ty |ˌso͞opərˌflo͞oˈiditē ˌsupərˌfluˈɪdədi | ▶noun Physics the property of flowing without friction or viscosity, as in liquid helium below about 2.18 kelvins. DERIVATIVES su per flu id |ˈso͞opərˌflo͞o -id |noun & adjective

superfluity

su per flu i ty |ˌso͞opərˈflo͞o -itē ˌsupərˈfluədi | ▶noun ( pl. superfluities ) [ in sing. ] an unnecessarily or excessively large amount or number of something: a superfluity of unoccupied time. • an unnecessary thing: they thought the garrison a superfluity. • the state of being superfluous: servants who had nothing to do but to display their own superfluity. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French superfluite, from late Latin superfluitas, from Latin superfluus ‘running over ’ (see superfluous ).

superfluous

su per flu ous |so͞oˈpərfləwəs suːˈpɜːrfluəs | ▶adjective unnecessary, esp. through being more than enough: the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information. DERIVATIVES su per flu ous ly adverb, su per flu ous ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin superfluus, from super- ‘over ’ + fluere ‘to flow. ’

superfly

su per fly |ˈso͞opərˌflī | informal ▶adjective (of clothing or a person's appearance ) ostentatiously fashionable. ▶noun ( pl. superflies ) an ostentatious, self-confident person. ORIGIN 1970s: the adjective from super- + fly 3; the noun from the name of a character in the blaxploitation film Superfly (1972 ).

superfood

su per food |ˈso͞opərˌfo͞od ˈsupərfud | ▶noun a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being: he touts broccoli sprouts and salmon as two of the most perfect superfoods.

superfund

su per fund |ˈso͞opərˌfənd ˈsupərfənd | ▶noun a fund established to finance a long-term, expensive project. • (Superfund ) a US federal government program designed to fund the cleanup of toxic wastes: billions have been spent on Superfund since 1980.

superfusion

super |fusion |ˌsuːpəˈfjuːʒ (ə )n, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Physiology the technique of running a stream of liquid over the surface of a piece of suspended tissue, keeping it viable and allowing observation of the interchange of substances.

supergalaxy

su per gal ax y |ˈso͞opərˌgaləksē ˈsupərɡæləksi | ▶noun ( pl. supergalaxies ) another term for supercluster.

supergene

su per gene 1 |ˈso͞opərˌjēn ˈsupərʤin | ▶adjective [ attrib. ] Geology relating to or denoting the deposition or enrichment of mineral deposits by solutions moving downward through the rocks.

supergene

su per gene 2 |ˈsupərʤin ˈso͞opərˌjēn | ▶noun Genetics a group of closely linked genes, typically having related functions.

supergiant

su per gi ant |ˈso͞opərˌjīənt ˈsupərʤaɪənt | ▶noun Astronomy a very large star that is even brighter than a giant, often despite being relatively cool.

superglue

su per glue |ˈso͞opərˌglo͞o ˈsupərˌɡlu | ▶noun a very strong quick-setting adhesive, based on cyanoacrylates or similar polymers. ▶verb ( superglues, supergluing or superglueing, superglued ) [ with obj. ] stick with superglue: he superglued his hands together.

supergrass

super |grass |ˈsuːpəgrɑːs, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Brit. informal a police informer who implicates a large number of people.

supergravity

su per grav i ty |ˌso͞opərˈgravitē ˌsupərˈɡrævɪti | ▶noun Physics gravity as described or predicted by a supersymmetric quantum field theory.

supergroup

su per group |ˈso͞opərˌgro͞op ˈsuːpərɡruːp | ▶noun an exceptionally successful rock group, in particular one formed by musicians already famous from playing in other groups.

superheat

su per heat |ˌso͞opərˈhēt ˈsupərhit |Physics ▶verb [ with obj. ] heat (a liquid ) under pressure above its boiling point without vaporization. • heat (a vapor ) above its temperature of saturation. • heat to a very high temperature. ▶noun the excess of temperature of a vapor above its temperature of saturation. DERIVATIVES su per heat er noun

superheavy

su per heav y |ˌso͞opərˈhevē ˈsupərhɛvi | ▶adjective Physics relating to or denoting an element with an atomic mass or atomic number greater than those of the naturally occurring elements, esp. one belonging to a group above atomic number 110 having proton /neutron ratios that in theory confer relatively long half-lives.

superheavyweight

super |heavy |weight |suːpəˈhɛviweɪt, sjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] a weight above heavyweight in boxing and other sports. In the amateur boxing scale it begins at 91 kg. • [ count noun ] a superheavyweight boxer or other competitor.

superhelix

su per he lix |ˈso͞opərˌhēliks ˈsupərhilɪks | ▶noun ( pl. superhelices |-ˌheləˌsēz, -ˌhēləˌsēz | or superhelixes ) Biochemistry a helical structure formed from a number of protein or nucleic acid chains that are individually helical. DERIVATIVES su per hel i cal |ˌso͞opərˈhelikəl, -ˈhēli - |adjective

superhero

su per he ro |ˈso͞opərˌhirō ˈsupərˌhɪ (ə )roʊ | ▶noun ( pl. superheroes ) a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers, such as Superman.

superhet

su per het |ˈso͞opərˌhet ˈsupərhɛt | ▶noun informal short for superheterodyne.

superheterodyne

su per het er o dyne |ˌso͞opərˈhetərəˌdīn ˌsupərˈhɛdərədaɪn | ▶adjective denoting or using a system of radio and television reception in which the receiver produces a tunable signal that is combined with the incoming signal to produce a predetermined intermediate frequency, on which most of the amplification is formed. ▶noun a superheterodyne receiver. ORIGIN 1920s: from supersonic + heterodyne .

superhighway

su per high way |ˈso͞opərˌhīwā, ˌso͞opərˈhīˌwā ˈˌsupərˈhaɪˌweɪ | ▶noun 1 an expressway. 2 (also information superhighway ) an extensive electronic network such as the Internet, used for the rapid transfer of information such as sound, video, and graphics.

superhuman

su per hu man |ˌso͞opərˈ (h )yo͞omən ˌsupərˈ (h )jumən | ▶adjective having or showing exceptional ability or powers: the pilot made one last superhuman effort not to come down right on our heads. DERIVATIVES su per hu man ly adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from late Latin superhumanus (see super-, human ).

superhydrophobic

su per hy dro pho bic |ˌso͞opərˌhīdrəˈfōbik ˌsupərhaɪdrəˈfoʊbɪk | ▶adjective repelling water to the degree that droplets do not flatten but roll off instead: superhydrophobic butterfly wings. DERIVATIVES su per hy dro pho bi a |-ˈfōbēə |noun

superimpose

su per im pose |ˌso͞opərimˈpōz ˌsup (ə )rəmˈpoʊz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] place or lay (one thing ) over another, typically so that both are still evident: the number will appear on the screen, superimposed on a flashing button | (as adj. superimposed ) : different stone tools were found in superimposed layers. DERIVATIVES su per im pos a ble adjective, su per im po si tion |-ˌimpəˈziSHən |noun

superincumbent

su per in cum bent |ˌso͞opərinˈkəmbənt, -iNGˈkəm -ˌsupərɪnˈkəmbənt | ▶adjective literary lying on something else: the crushing effect of the superincumbent masonry.

superinduce

su per in duce |ˌso͞opərinˈd (y )o͞os ˌsupərɪnˈdjus | ▶verb [ with obj. ] introduce or induce in addition: both genes are known to be superinduced in fibroblasts by inhibition of protein synthesis. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin superinducere ‘cover over, bring from outside ’ (see super-, induce ).

superinfection

su per in fec tion |ˌso͞opərinˈfekSHən ˌsup (ə )rɪnˈfɛkʃən | ▶noun Medicine infection occurring after or on top of an earlier infection, esp. following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

superintend

su per in tend |ˌso͞opərinˈtend ˌsup (ə )r (ə )nˈtɛnd | ▶verb [ with obj. ] be responsible for the management or arrangement of (an activity or organization ); oversee: he superintended a land reclamation program. DERIVATIVES su per in tend ence |-dəns |noun, su per in tend en cy |-dənsē |noun ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from ecclesiastical Latin superintendere, translating Greek episkopein.

superintendent

su per in tend ent |ˌso͞opərinˈtendənt ˌsup (ə )r (ə )nˈtɛndənt | ▶noun a person who manages or superintends an organization or activity: the construction superintendent | [ as modifier ] : the superintendent registrar. • a high-ranking official, esp. the head of a large urban police department. • the caretaker of a building. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from ecclesiastical Latin superintendent- ‘overseeing, ’ from the verb superintendere (see superintend ).

Superior

Su pe ri or |səˈpi (ə )rēər səˈpɪriər | a port city in northwestern Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, adjacent to Duluth in Minnesota; pop. 26,223 (est. 2008 ).

superior

su pe ri or |səˈpi (ə )rēər səˈpɪriər | ▶adjective 1 higher in rank, status, or quality: a superior officer | it is superior to every other car on the road. • of high standard or quality: superior malt whiskeys. • greater in size or power: deploying superior force. • [ predic. ] (superior to ) above yielding to or being influenced by: I felt superior to any accusation of anti-Semitism. • having or showing an overly high opinion of oneself; supercilious: that girl was frightfully superior. 2 chiefly Anatomy further above or out; higher in position. • (of a letter, figure, or symbol ) written or printed above the line. • Astronomy (of a planet ) having an orbit further from the sun than the earth's. • Botany (of the ovary of a flower ) situated above the sepals and petals. ▶noun 1 a person or thing superior to another in rank, status, or quality, esp. a colleague in a higher position: obeying their superiors' orders. • the head of a monastery or other religious institution. 2 Printing a superior letter, figure, or symbol. DERIVATIVES su pe ri or ly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French superiour, from Latin superior, comparative of superus ‘that is above, ’ from super ‘above. ’

Superior, Lake

Su pe ri or, Lake the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America, on the border between Canada and the US. With an area of 31,800 square miles (82,350 sq km ), it is the largest freshwater lake in the world.

superior conjunction

su pe ri or con junc tion ▶noun Astronomy a conjunction of Mercury or Venus with the sun, when the planet and the earth are on opposite sides of the sun.

superior court

su pe ri or court ▶noun Law 1 (in many states of the US ) a court of appeals or a court of general jurisdiction. 2 a court with general jurisdiction over other courts; a higher court.

superiority

su pe ri or i ty |səˌpi (ə )rēˈôritē, -ˈäritē səˌpɪriˈɔrədi | ▶noun the state of being superior: an attempt to establish superiority over others | the allies have achieved air superiority. • a supercilious manner or attitude: he attacked the media's smug superiority.

superiority complex

su pe ri or i ty com plex |səˌpɪriˈɔrədi ˌkɑmˈplɛks | ▶noun an attitude of superiority that conceals actual feelings of inferiority and failure.

superior planet

su pe ri or plan et ▶noun Astronomy any of the planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune ) whose orbits are further from the sun than the Earth's. Compare with inferior planet.

superius

su pe ri us |səˈpi (ə )rēəs səˈpɪəriəs | ▶noun the highest voice part in early choral music; the cantus. ORIGIN late 18th cent.: from Latin, neuter (used as a noun ) of superior (see superior ).

superjacent

su per ja cent |ˌso͞opərˈjāsənt ˌsupərˈʤeɪsnt | ▶adjective technical lying over or above something else; overlying. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin superjacent-, from super- ‘over ’ + jacere ‘to lie. ’

superlative

su per la tive |səˈpərlətiv səˈpərlədɪv | ▶adjective 1 of the highest quality or degree: a superlative piece of skill. 2 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb ) expressing the highest or a very high degree of a quality (e.g., bravest, most fiercely ). Contrasted with positive and comparative. ▶noun 1 Grammar a superlative adjective or adverb. • (the superlative ) the highest degree of comparison. 2 (usu. superlatives ) an exaggerated or hyperbolical expression of praise: the critics ran out of superlatives to describe him. 3 something or someone embodying excellence. DERIVATIVES su per la tive ly adverb [ as submodifier ] : he was superlatively fit, su per la tive ness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French superlatif, -ive, from late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus ‘carried beyond, ’ past participle of superferre.

superlattice

su per lat tice |ˈso͞opərˌlatis ˈsupərlætɪs | ▶noun Metallurgy & Physics an ordered arrangement of certain atoms that occurs in a solid solution and which is superimposed on the solvent crystal lattice.

superluminal

su per lu mi nal |ˌso͞opərˈlo͞omənl ˌsupərˈlumənl | ▶adjective Physics denoting or having a speed greater than that of light. ORIGIN 1950s: from super- ‘above ’ + Latin lumen, lumin- ‘a light ’ + -al .

superlunary

su per lu na ry |ˌso͞opərˈlo͞onərē ˌsupərˈlunəri | ▶adjective belonging to a higher world; celestial. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from medieval Latin superlunaris (see super-, lunar ).

supermajority

su per ma jor i ty |ˈso͞opərməˌjôritē, -ˌjär -ˌsupərməˈʤɔrɪdi | ▶noun ( pl. supermajorities ) a number that is much more than half of a total, esp. in a vote.

superman

su per man |ˈso͞opəˌman ˈsupəmən | ▶noun ( pl. supermen ) 1 chiefly Philosophy the ideal superior man of the future. See Übermensch. 2 (a superman ) informal a man with exceptional physical or mental ability. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from super- ‘exceptional ’ + man, coined by G. B. Shaw in imitation of German Übermensch (used by Nietzsche ).

supermarket

su per mar ket |ˈso͞opərˌmärkit ˈsupərˌmɑrkət | ▶noun a large self-service store selling foods and household goods.

supermassive

su per mas sive |ˈso͞opərˈmasiv ˌsupərˈmæsɪv | ▶adjective Astronomy having a mass many times (typically between 10 6 and 10 9 times ) that of the sun: a supermassive star.

supermax

su per max |ˈso͞opərˌmaks ˈsupərˌmæks | ▶adjective denoting or relating to an extremely high-security prison or part of a prison, intended for particularly dangerous prisoners. most inmates earn their supermax sentence by how they behave in other parts of the prison system. ▶noun a supermax prison. ORIGIN 1970s: shortened from super-maximum, i.e., ‘greater than the expected or conventional maximum. ’

supermini

su per min i |ˈso͞opərˌminē ˈsupərmɪni |(also superminicomputer ) ▶noun ( pl. superminis ) a microcomputer with the speed, power, and capabilities of a mainframe.

supermodel

su per mod el |ˈso͞opərˌmädl ˈsupərˌmɑdl | ▶noun a successful fashion model who has reached the status of a celebrity.

supermundane

supermundane |ˌsuːpəˈmʌndeɪn ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective rare above or superior to the earth or worldly affairs.

supernal

su per nal |səˈpərnl səˈpərnl | ▶adjective chiefly literary of or relating to the sky or the heavens; celestial. • of exceptional quality or extent: he is the supernal poet of our age | supernal erudition. DERIVATIVES su per nal ly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin supernalis, from Latin supernus, from super ‘above. ’

supernatant

su per na tant |ˌso͞opərˈnātnt ˌsupərˈneɪtnt | technical ▶adjective denoting the liquid lying above a solid residue after crystallization, precipitation, centrifugation, or other process. ▶noun a volume of supernatant liquid.

supernatural

su per nat u ral |ˌso͞opərˈnaCH (ə )rəl ˈˌsupərˈnætʃ (ə )rəl | ▶adjective (of a manifestation or event ) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature: a supernatural being. • unnaturally or extraordinarily great: a woman of supernatural beauty. ▶noun (the supernatural ) manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts. DERIVATIVES su per nat u ral ism noun, su per nat u ral ist noun, su per nat u ral ly adverb [ as submodifier ] : the monster was supernaturally strong

supernormal

su per nor mal |ˌso͞opərˈnôrməl ˌsupərˈnɔrməl | ▶adjective exceeding or beyond the normal; exceptional: a supernormal human. DERIVATIVES su per nor mal i ty |-ˌnôrˈmalitē |noun

supernova

su per no va |ˈso͞opərˌnōvə ˈˌsupərˈˌnoʊvə | ▶noun ( pl. supernovae |-ˌnōvē | or supernovas ) Astronomy a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness because of a catastrophic explosion that ejects most of its mass.

supernumerary

su per nu mer ar y |ˌso͞opərˈn (y )o͞oməˌrerē ˈˌsupərˈn (j )uməˌrɛri | ▶adjective present in excess of the normal or requisite number, in particular: • (of a person ) not belonging to a regular staff but engaged for extra work. • not wanted or needed; redundant: books were obviously supernumerary, and he began jettisoning them. • Botany & Zoology denoting a structure or organ occurring in addition to the normal ones: a pair of supernumerary teats. • (of an actor ) appearing on stage but not speaking. ▶noun ( pl. supernumeraries ) a supernumerary person or thing. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from late Latin supernumerarius ‘(soldier ) added to a legion after it is complete, ’ from Latin super numerum ‘beyond the number. ’

superorder

su per or der |ˈso͞opərˌôrdər ˈsupərɔrdər | ▶noun Biology a taxonomic category that ranks above order and below class.

superordinate

su per or di nate |ˌso͞opərˈôrdn -ət ˌsupərˈɔrd (ə )nət | ▶noun a thing that represents a superior order or category within a system of classification: a pair of compatibles must have a common superordinate. • a person who has authority over or control of another within an organization. • Linguistics a word whose meaning includes the meaning of one or more other words: “bird ” is the superordinate of “canary. ” ▶adjective superior in status: senior staff's superordinate position. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from super- ‘above, ’ on the pattern of subordinate .

superoxide

su per ox ide |ˌso͞opərˈäkˌsīd supərˈɑksaɪd | ▶noun Chemistry an oxide containing the anion O 2 −.

superphosphate

su per phos phate |ˈso͞opərˌfäsˌfāt ˌsupərˈfɑsfeɪt | ▶noun a fertilizer made by treating phosphate rock with sulfuric or phosphoric acid.

superplastic

su per plas tic |ˈso͞opərˌplastik ˈsupərplæstɪk |Metallurgy ▶adjective (of a metal or alloy ) capable of extreme plastic extension under load. ▶noun a metal or alloy having this property. DERIVATIVES su per plas tic i ty |ˌso͞opərplasˈtisitē |noun

superpose

su per pose |ˌso͞opərˈpōz ˈˌsupərˈˌpoʊz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] place (something ) on or above something else, esp. so that they coincide: (as adj. superposed ) : a border of superposed triangles. DERIVATIVES su per pos a ble adjective, su per po si tion |-pəˈziSHən |noun ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from French superposer, from super- ‘above ’ + poser ‘to place. ’

superpower

su per pow er |ˈso͞opərˌpouər ˈsupərˌpaʊ (ə )r | ▶noun a very powerful and influential nation (used esp. with reference to the US and the former Soviet Union when these were perceived as the two most powerful nations in the world ).

supersaturate

su per sat u rate |ˌso͞opərˈsaCHəˌrāt ˌsupərˈsætʃəˌreɪt | ▶verb [ with obj. ] Chemistry increase the concentration of (a solution ) beyond saturation point. DERIVATIVES su per sat u ra tion |-ˌsaCHəˈrāSHən |noun

superscalar

su per sca lar |ˌso͞opərˈskālər ˌsupərˈskeɪlər | ▶adjective denoting a computer architecture where several instructions are loaded at once and, as far as possible, are executed simultaneously, shortening the time taken to run the whole program.

superscribe

su per scribe |ˌso͞opərˈskrīb ˈsupərskraɪb | ▶verb [ with obj. ] write or print (an inscription ) at the top of or on the outside of a document: they had superscribed “Top Secret ” across the cover page. • write or print an inscription at the top of or on the outside of (a document ): he invariably will want to superscribe the memo with one of his banal mottoes. • write or print (a letter, word, symbol, or line of writing or printing ) above an existing letter, word, or line. DERIVATIVES su per scrip tion |-ˈskripSHən |noun ORIGIN late 15th cent.: from Latin superscribere, from super- ‘over ’ + scribere ‘write. ’

superscript

su per script |ˈso͞opərˌskript ˈsupərˌskrɪpt | ▶adjective (of a letter, figure, or symbol ) written or printed above the line. ▶noun a superscript letter, figure, or symbol. ORIGIN late 19th cent. (as an adjective ): from Latin superscriptus ‘written above, ’ past participle of superscribere.

supersede

su per sede |ˌso͞opərˈsēd ˌsupərˈsid | ▶verb [ with obj. ] take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use ); supplant: the older models have now been superseded. DERIVATIVES su per ses sion |-ˈseSHən |noun ORIGIN late 15th cent. (in the sense ‘postpone, defer ’): from Old French superseder, from Latin supersedere ‘be superior to, ’ from super- ‘above ’ + sedere ‘sit. ’ The current sense dates from the mid 17th cent. usage: See usage at supercede .

superset

su per set |ˈso͞opərˌset ˈsupərsɛt | ▶noun Mathematics a set that includes another set or sets.

supersize

su per size |ˈso͞opərˌsīz ˈsuːpərsaɪz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] produce or serve (something ) in a larger size: click here to supersize the picture. ▶adjective larger than average or standard sizes; extremely large: a pair of supersize sunglasses.

supersoap

su per soap |ˈso͞opərˌsōp ˈsupərsoʊp | ▶noun a soap that contains a bactericide.

supersonic

su per son ic |ˌso͞opərˈsänik ˌsupərˈsɑnɪk | ▶adjective involving or denoting a speed greater than that of sound. DERIVATIVES su per son i cal ly |-ik (ə )lē |adverb

supersonics

su per son ics |ˌso͞opərˈsäniks ˌsupərˈsɑnɪks | ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] another term for ultrasonics.

supersonic transport

su per son ic trans port (abbr.: SST ) ▶noun a commercial jet capable of exceeding the speed of sound.

superspace

su per space |ˈso͞opərˌspās ˈsupərspeɪs | ▶noun Physics a concept of space-time in which points are defined by more than four coordinates. • a space of infinitely many dimensions postulated to contain actual space-time and all possible spaces.

superspecies

super |spe ¦cies |suːpəˈspiːʃiːz, sjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. same ) Biology a group of largely allopatric species which are descended from a common evolutionary ancestor and are closely related but too distinct to be regarded as subspecies of one species.

superstar

su per star |ˈso͞opərˌstär ˈsupərˌstɑr | ▶noun a high-profile and extremely successful performer or athlete. DERIVATIVES su per star dom |-dəm |noun

superstate

su per state |ˈso͞opərˌstāt ˈsupərˌsteɪt | ▶noun a large and powerful state or union formed from a federation of nations: we are not advocates of a European superstate.

superstation

su per sta tion |ˈso͞opərˌstāSHən ˈsupərˌsteɪʃən | ▶noun a television station that broadcasts widely via cable or satellite.

superstition

su per sti tion |ˌso͞opərˈstiSHən ˌsupərˈstɪʃən | ▶noun excessively credulous belief in and reverence for supernatural beings: he dismissed the ghost stories as mere superstition. • a widely held but unjustified belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of an action or event, or a practice based on such a belief: she touched her locket for luck, a superstition she had had since childhood. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin superstitio (n- ), from super- ‘over ’ + stare ‘to stand ’ (perhaps from the notion of “standing over ” something in awe ).

superstitious

superstore

su per store |ˈso͞opərˌstôr ˈsupərˌstɔ (ə )r | ▶noun a retail store, as a grocery store or bookstore, with more than the average amount of space and variety of stock.

superstratum

su per stra tum |ˈso͞opərˌstrātəm, -ˌstratəm ˈsupərstreɪdəm | ▶noun ( pl. superstrata |-tə | ) an overlying stratum.

superstring

su per string |ˈso͞opərˌstriNG ˈsupərˌstrɪŋ | ▶noun Physics a subatomic particle in a version of string theory that incorporates supersymmetry.

superstructure

su per struc ture |ˈso͞opərˌstrəkCHər ˈsupərˌstrək (t )ʃər | ▶noun a structure built on top of something else. • the parts of a ship, other than masts and rigging, built above its hull and main deck. • the part of a building above its foundations. • a concept or idea based on others. • (in Marxist theory ) the institutions and culture considered to result from or reflect the economic system underlying a society. DERIVATIVES su per struc tur al |ˌso͞opərˈstrəkCHərəl |adjective

supersymmetry

su per sym me try |ˈso͞opərˌsimitrē ˌsupərˈsɪmɪtri | ▶noun Physics a very general type of mathematical symmetry that relates fermions and bosons. DERIVATIVES su per sym met ric |-siˈmetrik |adjective

supertanker

su per tank er |ˈso͞opərˌtaNGkər ˈsupərˌtæŋkər | ▶noun a very large oil tanker, specifically one whose dead-weight capacity exceeds 75,000 tons.

supertaster

super |taster ▶noun a person who has more taste buds than normal and is very sensitive to particular tastes.

supertax

su per tax |ˈso͞opərˌtaks ˈsupərtæks | ▶noun an additional tax on something already taxed.

supertitle

su per ti tle |ˈso͞opərˌtītl ˈsupərtaɪdl | ▶noun (usu. supertitles ) a caption projected on a screen above the stage in an opera, translating the text being sung. ▶verb [ with obj. ] provide (an opera ) with supertitles.

supertonic

su per ton ic |ˈso͞opərˌtänik ˈsupərtɑnɪk | ▶noun Music the second note of the diatonic scale of any key; the note above the tonic.

Super Tuesday

Su per Tues day |ˈsupər ˈt (j )uzdi | ▶noun informal a day on which several US states hold primary elections.

supertwist

super |twist ▶adjective denoting a type of liquid crystal display used in portable computers, in which to change state the plane of polarized light passing through the display is rotated by at least 180 degrees.

superunleaded

super |unlead ¦ed ▶adjective denoting unleaded petrol with a higher octane rating than that of regular unleaded petrol, achieved by the addition of aromatic hydrocarbons. ▶noun [ mass noun ] superunleaded petrol.

superuser

su per us er |ˈso͞opərˌyo͞ozər ˈsupərˌjuzər | ▶noun a user of a computer system with special privileges needed to administer and maintain the system; a system administrator.

supervene

su per vene |ˌso͞opərˈvēn ˌsupərˈvin | ▶verb [ no obj. ] occur later than a specified or implied event or action, typically in such a way as to change the situation: (as adj. supervening ) : any plan that is made is liable to be disrupted by supervening events. • Philosophy (of a fact or property ) be entailed by or consequent on the existence or establishment of another: the view that mental events supervene upon physical ones. DERIVATIVES su per ven ient |-ˈvēnyənt |adjective, su per ven tion |-ˈvenCHən |noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Latin supervenire, from super- ‘in addition ’ + venire ‘come. ’

supervise

su per vise |ˈso͞opərˌvīz ˈsupərˌvaɪz | ▶verb [ with obj. ] observe and direct the execution of (a task, project, or activity ): the sergeant left to supervise the loading of the trucks. • observe and direct the work of (someone ): nurses were supervised by a consulting psychiatrist. • keep watch over (someone ) in the interest of their or others' security: prisoners were supervised by two officers. ORIGIN late 15th cent. (in the sense ‘survey, peruse ’): from medieval Latin supervis- ‘surveyed, supervised, ’ from supervidere, from super- ‘over ’ + videre ‘to see. ’

supervision

su per vi sion |ˌso͞opərˈviZHən suːpərˈvɪʒn | ▶noun the action of supervising someone or something: students were under the supervision of the faculty member at all times. she let them work without supervision.

supervision order

super |vi ¦sion order ▶noun English Law a court order placing a child or young person under the supervision of a local authority or a probation officer in a case of delinquency or where care proceedings are appropriate.

supervisor

su per vi sor |ˈso͞opərˌvīzər ˈsuːpərvaɪzər | ▶noun a person who supervises a person or an activity. DERIVATIVES su per vi so ry |ˌso͞opərˈvīzərē |adjective

supervoltage

su per vol tage |ˈso͞opərˌvōltij ˈsupərvoʊltɪʤ | ▶noun [ usu. as modifier ] Medicine a voltage in excess of 200 kV used in X-ray radiotherapy: supervoltage therapy.

superweed

superweed |ˈsuːpəwiːd, ˈsjuː | ▶noun a weed which is extremely resistant to herbicides, especially one created by the transfer of genes from genetically modified crops into wild plants.

superwoman

su per wom an |ˈso͞opərˌwo͝omən ˈsupərˌwʊmən | ▶noun ( pl. superwomen ) informal a woman with exceptional strength or ability, esp. one who successfully manages a home, brings up children, and has a full-time job.

Oxford Dictionary

super

super |ˈsuːpə, ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective 1 informal very good or pleasant; excellent: Julie was a super girl | [ as exclamation ] : You're both coming in? Super! 2 (of a manufactured product ) very good; superfine: a super quality binder. 3 Building, chiefly Brit. short for superficial (used in expressing quantities of material ). ▶adverb [ as submodifier ] informal especially; particularly: he's been super understanding. ▶noun informal 1 a superintendent. 2 archaic an extra, unwanted, or unimportant person; a supernumerary. • theatrical slang, dated or N. Amer. an extra. 3 [ mass noun ] superphosphate. 4 [ mass noun ] superfine fabric or manufacture. ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: abbreviation.

super-

super- |ˈsuːpə, ˈsjuː -| ▶combining form above; over; beyond: superlunary | superstructure. • to a great or extreme degree: superabundant | supercool. • extra large of its kind: supercontinent. • having greater influence, capacity, etc. than another of its kind: superbike | superpower. • of a higher kind (especially in names of classificatory divisions ): superfamily. ORIGIN from Latin super-, from super ‘above, beyond ’.

superable

superable |ˈsuːp (ə )rəb (ə )l ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective able to be overcome. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from Latin superabilis, from superare ‘overcome ’.

superabound

super |abound |suːp (ə )rəˈbaʊnd, sjuː -| ▶verb [ no obj. ] archaic be very or too abundant: the capitalists do not need to combine when labour superabounds. ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘be more abundant ’): from late Latin superabundare (see super-, abound ).

superabundant

super |abun ¦dant |suːp (ə )rəˈbʌnd (ə )nt, sjuː -| ▶adjective more formal or literary term for overabundant. DERIVATIVES superabundance noun, superabundantly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘very plentiful ’): from late Latin superabundant- ‘abounding to excess ’, from the verb superabundare.

superacid

super |acid |ˈsuːpərasɪd, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Chemistry a solution of a strong acid in a very acidic (usually non-aqueous ) solvent, functioning as a powerful protonating agent. DERIVATIVES superacidity noun

superadd

super |add |suːpərˈad, sjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] rare add (something ) to what has already been added: (as adj. superadded ) : the presence of superadded infection by bacteria. DERIVATIVES superaddition |-əˈdɪʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin superaddere (see super-, add ).

superadiabatic

superadiabatic |ˌsuːpəreɪdɪəˈbatɪk, -adɪə -| ▶adjective chiefly Meteorology relating to or denoting a temperature gradient which is steeper than that occurring in adiabatic conditions.

superalloy

super |alloy |ˌsuːpərˈalɔɪ, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun an alloy capable of withstanding high temperatures, high stresses, and often highly oxidizing atmospheres.

superaltar

superannuate

superannuate |ˌsuːpəˈranjʊeɪt ˈsjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] retire (someone ) with a pension: his pilot's licence was withdrawn and he was superannuated. DERIVATIVES superannuable adjective ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: back-formation from superannuated, from medieval Latin superannuatus, from Latin super- ‘over ’ + annus ‘year ’.

superannuated

superannuated |suːpəˈranjʊeɪtɪd ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective 1 (of a post or employee ) belonging to a superannuation scheme: she is not superannuated and has no paid holiday. 2 outdated or obsolete through age or new developments: superannuated computing equipment | a superannuated hippy.

superannuation

super |annu |ation |ˌsuːpəranjʊˈeɪʃ (ə )n, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] [ usu. as modifier ] regular payment made into a fund by an employee towards a future pension: a superannuation fund. • a pension of this type paid to a retired person. • the process of superannuating an employee.

superb

su ¦perb |suːˈpəːb, sjuː -| ▶adjective 1 very good; excellent: a superb performance. 2 impressively splendid: the Bey of Tunis was building himself a superb mausoleum. • used in names of birds with attractive or colourful plumage, e.g. superb lyrebird. DERIVATIVES superbly adverb, superbness noun ORIGIN mid 16th cent. (in sense 2 ): from Latin superbus ‘proud, magnificent ’.

superbike

super |bike ▶noun a high-performance motorcycle.

Super Bowl

Super Bowl ▶noun (in the US ) the National Football League championship game played annually between the champions of the National and the American Football Conferences.

superbug

super |bug |ˈsuːpəbʌg, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun 1 a bacterium that is useful in biotechnology, typically one that has been genetically engineered to enhance its usefulness for a particular purpose. 2 a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotic drugs. • an insect that is difficult to control or eradicate, especially because it has become immune to insecticides.

supercalender

super |cal ¦en ¦der |ˌsuːpəˈkalɪndə, ˌsjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] give a highly glazed finish to (paper ) by calendering it more than calendered paper: (as adj. supercalendered ) : a supercalendered art paper.

supercar

super |car ▶noun a high-performance sports car.

supercargo

super |cargo |suːpəˈkɑːgəʊ, sjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. supercargoes or supercargos ) a representative of the ship's owner on board a merchant ship, responsible for overseeing the cargo and its sale. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: alteration of earlier supracargo, from Spanish sobrecargo, from sobre ‘over ’ + cargo ‘cargo ’.

supercede

super |cede ▶verb see supersede. usage: The spelling supercede is generally regarded as an error: see usage at supersede .

supercell

supercell |ˈsuːpəsɛl, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Meteorology a large slow-moving area of updraught and downdraught which causes violent thunderstorms, heavy hail, and tornadoes.

supercentenarian

su per cen te nar i an |ˌso͞opərˌsentnˈe (ə )rēən ˌsupərsɛntnˈɛriən | ▶noun a person who is 110 years old or older.

supercharge

super |charge |ˈsuːpətʃɑːdʒ, ˈsjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] (usu. as adj. supercharged ) fit or design (an internal-combustion engine ) with a supercharger: a supercharged 3.8-litre V6. • supply with extra energy or power: a supercharged computer. • (as adj. supercharged ) having powerful emotional overtones or associations: appeasement is one of those supercharged words, like terrorism and fascism.

supercharger

super |char ¦ger |ˈsuːpətʃɑːdʒə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a device that increases the pressure of the fuel –air mixture in an internal-combustion engine, fitted in order to achieve greater efficiency.

superciliary

superciliary |ˌsuːpəˈsɪlɪəri ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective Anatomy relating to the eyebrow or the region over the eye. ORIGIN mid 18th cent.: from Latin supercilium ‘eyebrow ’ (from super- ‘above ’ + cilium ‘eyelid ’) + -ary 1 .

supercilious

supercilious |suːpəˈsɪlɪəs sjuː -| ▶adjective behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others: a supercilious lady's maid. DERIVATIVES superciliously adverb, superciliousness noun ORIGIN early 16th cent.: from Latin superciliosus ‘haughty ’, from supercilium ‘eyebrow ’.

superclass

super |class |ˈsuːpəklɑːs, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Biology a taxonomic category that ranks above class and below phylum.

supercluster

super |clus ¦ter |ˈsuːpəklʌstə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Astronomy a cluster of galaxies which themselves occur as clusters.

supercoil

supercoil |ˈsuːpəkɔɪl, ˈsjuː - |Biochemistry ▶noun another term for superhelix. ▶verb [ with obj. ] form (a substance ) into a superhelix: (as adj. supercoiled ) : a supercoiled circular DNA molecule.

supercollider

super |col ¦lider |suːpəkəˈlʌɪdə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Physics a collider in which superconducting magnets are used to accelerate particles to energies of millions of megavolts.

supercomputer

super |com ¦puter |ˈsuːpəkəmpjuːtə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a particularly powerful mainframe computer. DERIVATIVES supercomputing noun

superconductivity

superconductor

super |con ¦duct ¦or |ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌktə, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun Physics a substance capable of becoming superconducting at sufficiently low temperatures. • a substance in the superconducting state.

superconscious

super |con ¦scious |suːpəˈkɒnʃəs, sjuː -| ▶adjective transcending human or normal consciousness: the superconscious, universal mind of God. DERIVATIVES superconsciously adverb, superconsciousness noun

supercontinent

super |con ¦tin ¦ent |ˈsuːpəkɒntɪnənt, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun each of several large land masses (notably Pangaea, Gondwana, and Laurasia ) thought to have divided to form the present continents in the geological past.

supercool

super |cool |suːpəˈkuːl, sjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] Chemistry cool (a liquid ) below its freezing point without solidification or crystallization. • [ no obj. ] Biology (of a living organism ) survive body temperatures below the freezing point of water. ▶adjective informal extremely attractive, impressive, or calm: the supercool tracks in this collection.

supercritical

super |crit ¦ical |suːpəˈkrɪtɪk (ə )l, sjuː -| ▶adjective Physics above a critical threshold, in particular: • (in nuclear physics ) containing or involving more than the critical mass. • (of a flow of fluid ) faster than the speed at which waves travel in the fluid. • denoting an aerofoil or aircraft wing designed to tolerate shock-wave formation at transonic speeds. • relating to or denoting a fluid at a temperature and pressure greater than its critical temperature and pressure.

superdelegate

superdelegate |ˈsuːpədɛlɪgət | ▶noun US (in the Democratic Party ) an unelected delegate who is free to support any candidate for the presidential nomination at the party's national convention.

super-duper

super-duper |ˌsuːpəˈduːpə, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective informal, humorous very good; marvellous: a super-duper, plush touring bus.

superego

super |ego |suːpərˈiːgəʊ, -ˈɛgəʊ, sjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superegos ) Psychoanalysis the part of a person's mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards learned from parents and teachers. Compare with ego and id.

superelevation

super |eleva ¦tion |ˌsuːpərɛlɪˈveɪʃ (ə )n, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] the amount by which the outer edge of a curve on a road or railway is banked above the inner edge.

supereminent

super |emi ¦nent |ˌsuːpərˈɛmɪnənt, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective old-fashioned term for pre-eminent. DERIVATIVES supereminence noun, supereminently adverb ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin supereminent- ‘rising above ’, from the verb supereminere ‘rise above ’ (see super-, eminent ).

supererogation

supererogation |ˌsuːpərɛrəˈgeɪʃ (ə )n ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] the performance of more work than duty requires. PHRASES works of supererogation (in the Roman Catholic Church ) actions believed to form a reserve fund of merit that can be drawn on by prayer in favour of sinners. DERIVATIVES supererogatory |-ɪˈrɒgət (ə )ri |adjective ORIGIN early 16th cent.: from late Latin supererogatio (n- ), from supererogare ‘pay in addition ’, from super- ‘over ’ + erogare ‘pay out ’.

superette

super |ette |suːpəˈrɛt, sjuːpəˈrɛt | ▶noun US a small supermarket. ORIGIN 1930s: from supermarket + -ette .

superfamily

super |fam ¦ily |ˈsuːpəˌfamɪli, -m (ə )l-, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superfamilies ) Biology a taxonomic category that ranks above family and below order.

superfatted

super |fat ¦ted |ˌsuːpəˈfatɪd, sjuː -| ▶adjective (of soap ) containing excess fats compared with its alkali content.

superfecundation

superfecundation |ˌsjuːpəfɛk (ə )nˈdeɪʃ (ə )n, -fiːk - ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Medicine & Zoology fertilization of a second ovum during the same oestrus cycle as a result of a second mating, leading to fetuses of the same age but different parentage.

superfetation

superfetation |ˌsuːpəfiːˈteɪʃ (ə )n ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Medicine & Zoology the occurrence of a second conception during pregnancy, giving rise to embryos of different ages in the uterus. • the accretion of one thing on another: the superfetation of ideas. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from French superfétation or modern Latin superfetatio (n- ), from Latin superfetare, from super- ‘above ’ + fetus ‘fetus ’.

superficial

super |fi ¦cial |ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃ (ə )l, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective 1 existing or occurring at or on the surface: the building suffered only superficial damage. • situated or occurring on the skin or immediately beneath it: the superficial muscle groups. 2 appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely: the resemblance between the breeds is superficial. 3 not thorough, deep, or complete; cursory: he had only the most superficial knowledge of foreign countries. • lacking depth of character or understanding: perhaps I was a superficial person. 4 Brit. Building denoting a quantity of a material expressed in terms of area covered rather than linear dimension or volume. DERIVATIVES superficiality |-ʃɪˈalɪti |noun ( pl. superficialities ), superficialness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies (see superficies ).

superficially

super |fi ¦cial ¦ly |ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃ (ə )li, ˌsjuː -| ▶adverb 1 as to the outward appearance only; on the surface: [ as submodifier ] : the theory is superficially attractive | [ sentence adverb ] : superficially, they have little in common. 2 not thoroughly or deeply: I understood the issue only superficially. 3 at or on the surface or skin: he was superficially wounded in the neck.

superficies

superficies |ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃɪiːz ˌsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. same ) archaic a surface: the superficies of a sphere. • literary an outward part or appearance: the superficies of life. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin, from super- ‘above ’ + facies ‘face ’.

superfine

super |fine |ˈsuːpəfʌɪn, suːpəˈfʌɪn, sjuː -| ▶adjective 1 of especially high quality: superfine cotton shirtings. 2 (of fibres or an instrument ) very thin: superfine tweezers. • consisting of especially small particles: superfine face powder. ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘excessively elegant ’): from super- ‘to a high degree ’ + fine 1 .

superfine sugar

su per fine sug ar ▶noun finely granulated white sugar that dissolves quickly and is used in cold drinks and baking.

superfluidity

super |flu ¦id |ity |suːpəfluːˈɪdɪti, sjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Physics the property of flowing without friction or viscosity, as shown by liquid helium below about 2.18 kelvins. DERIVATIVES superfluid noun & adjective

superfluity

superfluity |ˌsuːpəˈfluːɪti ˌsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superfluities ) an unnecessarily or excessively large amount or number of something: a superfluity of unoccupied time. • an unnecessary thing: they thought the garrison a superfluity. • [ mass noun ] the state of being superfluous: servants who had nothing to do but to display their own superfluity. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French superfluite, from late Latin superfluitas, from Latin superfluus ‘running over ’ (see superfluous ).

superfluous

superfluous |suːˈpəːflʊəs sjuː -| ▶adjective unnecessary, especially through being more than enough: the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information. DERIVATIVES superfluously adverb, superfluousness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin superfluus, from super- ‘over ’ + fluere ‘to flow ’.

superfly

superfly |ˈsuːpəflʌɪ, ˈsjuː - |US informal ▶adjective (of clothing or a person's appearance ) ostentatiously fashionable. ▶noun ( pl. superflies ) an ostentatious, self-confident person. ORIGIN 1970s: the adjective from super- + fly 3; the noun from the name of a character in the blaxploitation film Superfly (1972 ).

superfood

superfood |ˈsuːpəfuːd, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.

superfund

superfusion

supergalaxy

super |gal ¦axy |ˈsuːpəˌgaləksi, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. supergalaxies ) another term for supercluster.

supergene

supergene 1 |ˈsuːpədʒiːn, ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective Geology relating to or denoting the deposition or enrichment of mineral deposits by solutions moving downward through the rocks. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from super- + Greek genēs ‘-born, of a certain kind ’.

supergene

supergene 2 |ˈsuːpədʒiːn, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Genetics a group of closely linked genes, typically having related functions.

supergiant

super |giant |ˈsuːpədʒʌɪənt, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Astronomy a very large star that is even brighter than a giant, often despite being relatively cool.

superglue

super |glue |ˈsuːpəgluː, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a very strong quick-setting adhesive, based on cyanoacrylates or similar polymers. ▶verb ( superglues, supergluing or superglueing, superglued ) [ with obj. ] stick with superglue: he superglued his hands together.

supergrass

super |grass |ˈsuːpəgrɑːs, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Brit. informal a police informer who implicates a large number of people.

supergravity

super |grav ¦ity |suːpəˈgravɪti, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Physics gravity as described or predicted by a supersymmetric quantum field theory.

supergroup

super |group |ˈsuːpəɡruːp, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun an exceptionally successful rock group or one formed by musicians already famous from playing in other groups.

superheat

superheat |suːpəˈhiːt, sjuː - |Physics ▶verb [ with obj. ] heat (a liquid ) under pressure above its boiling point without vaporization. • heat (a vapour ) above its temperature of saturation. • heat to a very high temperature. ▶noun [ mass noun ] the excess of temperature of a vapour above its temperature of saturation. DERIVATIVES superheater noun

superheavy

super |heavy |ˌsuːpəˈhɛvi, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective Physics relating to or denoting an element with an atomic mass or atomic number greater than those of the naturally occurring elements, especially one belonging to a group above atomic number 110 having proton /neutron ratios which in theory confer relatively long half-lives.

superheavyweight

superhelix

super |helix |ˈsuːpəhiːlɪks, ˈsjuːpəhiːlɪks | ▶noun ( pl. superhelices ) Biochemistry a helical structure formed from a number of protein or nucleic acid chains which are individually helical. DERIVATIVES superhelical adjective

superhero

super |hero |ˈsuːpəhɪərəʊ, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superheroes ) a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers, such as Superman.

superhet

super |het |ˈsuːpəhɛt, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun informal short for superheterodyne.

superheterodyne

superheterodyne |ˌsuːpəˈhɛt (ə )rə (ʊ )dʌɪn ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective denoting or using a system of radio and television reception in which the receiver produces a tunable signal which is combined with the incoming signal to produce a predetermined intermediate frequency, on which most of the amplification is formed. ▶noun a superheterodyne receiver. ORIGIN 1920s: from supersonic + heterodyne .

superhighway

super |high ¦way |ˈsuːpəhʌɪweɪ, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun 1 N. Amer. a dual carriageway with controlled access. 2 (also information superhighway ) an extensive electronic network such as the Internet, used for the rapid transfer of information such as sound, video, and graphics in digital form.

superhuman

super |human |ˌsuːpəˈhjuːmən, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective having or showing exceptional ability or powers: the pilot made one last superhuman effort not to come down right on our heads. DERIVATIVES superhumanly adverb ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from late Latin superhumanus (see super-, human ).

superhydrophobic

superimpose

super |im ¦pose |ˌsuːp (ə )rɪmˈpəʊz, ˌsjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] place or lay (one thing ) over another, typically so that both are still evident: the number will appear on the screen, superimposed on a flashing button | (as adj. superimposed ) : different stone tools were found in superimposed layers. DERIVATIVES superimposable adjective, superimposition |-pəˈzɪʃ (ə )n |noun

superincumbent

superincumbent |ˌsuːp (ə )rɪnˈkʌmb (ə )nt ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective literary lying on something else: the crushing effect of the superincumbent masonry.

superinduce

super |in ¦duce |suːp (ə )rɪnˈdjuːs, sjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] introduce or induce in addition. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin superinducere ‘cover over, bring from outside ’ (see super-, induce ).

superinfection

super |infec ¦tion |suːp (ə )rɪnˈfɛkʃ (ə )n, sjuːp (ə )rɪnˈfɛkʃ (ə )n | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Medicine infection occurring after or on top of an earlier infection, especially following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

superintend

super |in ¦tend |suːp (ə )rɪnˈtɛnd, sjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] be responsible for the management or arrangement of (an activity or organization ); oversee: he superintended a land reclamation scheme. DERIVATIVES superintendence noun, superintendency noun ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from ecclesiastical Latin superintendere, translating Greek episkopein.

superintendent

super |in ¦tend ¦ent |suːp (ə )rɪnˈtɛnd (ə )nt, sjuː -| ▶noun a person who manages or superintends an organization or activity. • (in the UK ) a police officer ranking above chief inspector. • (in the US ) a high-ranking official, especially the chief of a police department. • N. Amer. the caretaker of a building. ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from ecclesiastical Latin superintendent- ‘overseeing ’, from the verb superintendere (see superintend ).

superior

su |per ¦ior |suːˈpɪərɪə, sjuː -| ▶adjective 1 higher in rank, status, or quality: a superior officer | the new model is superior to every other car on the road. • of high standard or quality: superior malt whiskies. • greater in size or power: deploying superior force. • (superior to ) above yielding to or being influenced by: I felt superior to any accusation of anti-Semitism. 2 having or showing an overly high opinion of oneself; conceited: that girl was frightfully superior. 3 (of a letter, figure, or symbol ) written or printed above the line. 4 chiefly Anatomy further above or out; higher in position. • Botany (of the ovary of a flower ) situated above the sepals and petals. ▶noun 1 a person superior to another in rank or status, especially a colleague in a higher position: obeying their superiors' orders. • the head of a monastery or other religious institution. 2 Printing a superior letter, figure, or symbol. DERIVATIVES superiorly adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French superiour, from Latin superior, comparative of superus ‘that is above ’, from super ‘above ’.

Superior

Su pe ri or |səˈpi (ə )rēər səˈpɪriər | a port city in northwestern Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, adjacent to Duluth in Minnesota; pop. 26,223 (est. 2008 ).

Superior, Lake

Superior, Lake |suːˈpɪərɪə, sjuː -| the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America, on the border between Canada and the US. With an area of 82,350 sq. km (31,800 sq. miles ), it is the largest freshwater lake in the world.

superior conjunction

su |per ¦ior con |junc ¦tion ▶noun Astronomy a conjunction of Mercury or Venus with the sun, when the planet and the earth are on opposite sides of the sun.

superior court

su |per ¦ior court ▶noun Law 1 (in England ) a higher court whose decisions have weight as precedents and which is not subject to control by any other court except by way of appeal. 2 (in some states of the US ) a court of appeals or a court of general jurisdiction.

superiority

su |per ¦ior |ity |suːˌpɪərɪˈɒrɪti, sjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] 1 the state of being superior: an attempt to establish superiority over others | the allies have achieved air superiority. 2 a supercilious manner or attitude: he attacked the media's smug superiority.

superiority complex

su |per ¦ior |ity com |plex ▶noun an attitude of superiority which conceals actual feelings of inferiority and failure.

superior planet

su |per ¦ior planet ▶noun Astronomy any of the planets Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, whose orbits are further from the sun than the earth's.

superius

superius |suːˈpɪərɪəs sjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] the highest voice part in early choral music; the cantus. ORIGIN late 18th cent.: from Latin, neuter (used as a noun ) of superior (see superior ).

superjacent

superjacent |ˌsuːpəˈdʒeɪs (ə )nt ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective technical lying over or above something else; overlying. ORIGIN late 16th cent.: from Latin superjacent-, from super- ‘over ’ + jacere ‘to lie ’.

superlative

superlative |suːˈpəːlətɪv sjuː -| ▶adjective 1 of the highest quality or degree: a superlative piece of skill. 2 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb ) expressing the highest or a very high degree of a quality (e.g. bravest, most fiercely ). Contrasted with positive and comparative. ▶noun 1 Grammar a superlative adjective or adverb. • (the superlative ) the highest degree of comparison. 2 (usu. superlatives ) an exaggerated or hyperbolical expression of praise: the critics ran out of superlatives to describe him. DERIVATIVES superlatively adverb [ as submodifier ] : he was superlatively fit, superlativeness noun ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French superlatif, -ive, from late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus ‘carried beyond ’, past participle of superferre.

superlattice

super |lat ¦tice |suːpəˈlatɪs sjuː -| ▶noun Metallurgy & Physics an ordered arrangement of certain atoms in a solid solution which is superimposed on the solvent crystal lattice.

superluminal

superluminal |ˌsuːpəˈluːmɪn (ə )l ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective Physics denoting or having a speed greater than that of light. ORIGIN 1950s: from super- ‘above ’ + Latin lumen, lumin- ‘a light ’ + -al .

superlunary

superlunary |ˌsuːpəˈluːnəri ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective literary belonging to a higher world; celestial. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from medieval Latin superlunaris (see super-, lunar ).

supermajority

super |major ¦ity ▶noun ( pl. supermajorities ) a number that is much more than half of a total, especially in a vote.

superman

super |man |ˈsuːpəman, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. supermen ) 1 another term for Übermensch. 2 ( Superman ) a US cartoon character having great strength, the ability to fly, and other extraordinary powers. • (a superman ) informal a man with exceptional physical or mental ability. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from super- ‘exceptional ’ + man, coined by G. B. Shaw in imitation of German Übermensch (used by Nietzsche ).

supermarket

super |mar ¦ket |ˈsuːpəmɑːkɪt, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a large self-service shop selling foods and household goods.

supermassive

super |mas ¦sive |suːpəˈmasɪv sjuː -| ▶adjective Astronomy having a mass many times (typically between 10 6 and 10 9 times ) that of the sun: a supermassive star.

supermax

supermax |ˈsuːpəmaks | ▶adjective denoting or relating to an extremely high-security prison or part of a prison, intended for particularly dangerous prisoners. ▶noun a supermax prison. ORIGIN 1970s: shortened from super-maximum, i.e. ‘greater than the expected or conventional maximum ’.

supermini

super |mini |ˈsuːpəmɪni ˈsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superminis ) 1 a type of small car with a relatively powerful engine. 2 a microcomputer with the capabilities of a mainframe.

supermodel

super |model |ˈsuːpəmɒd (ə )l, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a successful fashion model who has reached the status of a celebrity.

supermundane

supermundane |ˌsuːpəˈmʌndeɪn ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective rare above or superior to the earth or worldly affairs.

supernal

supernal |suːˈpəːn (ə )l sjuː -| ▶adjective chiefly literary relating to the sky or the heavens; celestial. • of exceptional quality or extent: he is the supernal poet of our age | supernal erudition. DERIVATIVES supernally adverb ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin supernalis, from Latin supernus, from super ‘above ’.

supernatant

supernatant |ˌsuːpəˈneɪt (ə )nt ˌsjuː - | technical ▶adjective denoting the liquid lying above a solid residue after crystallization, precipitation, centrifugation, or other process. ▶noun a volume of supernatant liquid.

supernatural

super |nat ¦ural |ˌsuːpəˈnatʃ (ə )r (ə )l, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective (of a manifestation or event ) attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature: a supernatural being. • unnaturally or extraordinarily great: a woman of supernatural beauty. ▶noun (the supernatural ) manifestations or events considered to be of supernatural origin, such as ghosts. DERIVATIVES supernaturalism noun, supernaturalist noun, supernaturally adverb [ as submodifier ] : the monster was supernaturally strong

supernormal

supernova

supernova |ˌsuːpəˈnəʊvə ˌsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. supernovae |-viː | or supernovas ) Astronomy a star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness because of a catastrophic explosion that ejects most of its mass.

supernumerary

supernumerary |ˌsuːpəˈnjuːm (ə )r (ə )ri ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective present in excess of the normal or requisite number, in particular: • (of a person ) not belonging to a regular staff but engaged for extra work. • not wanted or needed; redundant: books were obviously supernumerary, and he began jettisoning them. • (of an actor ) appearing on stage but not speaking. • Botany & Zoology denoting a structure or organ occurring in addition to the normal ones: a pair of supernumerary teats. ▶noun ( pl. supernumeraries ) a supernumerary person or thing. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from late Latin supernumerarius ‘(soldier ) added to a legion after it is complete ’, from Latin super numerum ‘beyond the number ’.

superorder

super |order |ˈsuːpərɔːdə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Biology a taxonomic category that ranks above order and below class.

superordinate

superordinate |ˌs (j )uːpərˈɔːdɪnət | ▶noun 1 a thing that represents a superior order or category within a system of classification. • Linguistics a word whose meaning includes the meaning of one or more other words: ‘bird ’ is the superordinate of ‘canary ’. 2 a person of superior rank or status. ▶adjective superior in rank or status: senior staff's superordinate position. ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from super- ‘above ’, on the pattern of subordinate .

superoxide

super |oxide |suːpərˈɒksʌɪd, sjuː -| ▶noun Chemistry an oxide containing the anion O 2 −.

superphosphate

super |phos ¦phate |ˌsuːpəˈfɒsfeɪt, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] a fertilizer made by treating phosphate rock with sulphuric or phosphoric acid.

superplastic

superplastic |suːpəˈplastɪk sjuː - |Metallurgy ▶adjective (of a metal or alloy ) capable of extreme plastic extension under load. ▶noun a superplastic metal or alloy. DERIVATIVES superplasticity noun

superpose

super |pose |suːpəˈpəʊz, sjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] place (something ) on or above something else, especially so that they coincide: (as adj. superposed ) : a border of superposed triangles. DERIVATIVES superposition |-pəˈzɪʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from French superposer, from super- ‘above ’ + poser ‘to place ’.

superpower

super |power |ˈsuːpəpaʊə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a very powerful and influential nation (used especially with reference to the US and the former Soviet Union when these were perceived as the two most powerful nations in the world ).

supersaturate

superscalar

super |scalar |ˌsuːpəˈskeɪlə, ˌsjuː -| ▶adjective Computing denoting a microprocessor architecture where several instructions are loaded at once and, as far as possible, are executed simultaneously, shortening the time taken to run the whole program.

superscribe

super |scribe |suːpəˈskrʌɪb, ˈsuːpəskrʌɪb, sjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] write or print (an inscription ) at the top of or on the outside of a document. • write or print (a letter, word, symbol, or line of writing or printing ) above an existing letter, word, or line. DERIVATIVES superscription |-ˈskrɪpʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN late 15th cent.: from Latin superscribere, from super- ‘over ’ + scribere ‘write ’.

superscript

super |script |ˈsuːpəskrɪpt, ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective (of a letter, figure, or symbol ) written or printed above the line. ▶noun a superscript letter, figure, or symbol. ORIGIN late 19th cent. (as an adjective ): from Latin superscriptus ‘written above ’, past participle of superscribere.

supersede

supersede |ˌsuːpəˈsiːd ˌsjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use ); supplant: the older models of car have now been superseded. DERIVATIVES supersession |-ˈsɛʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN late 15th cent. (in the sense ‘postpone, defer ’): from Old French superseder, from Latin supersedere ‘be superior to ’, from super- ‘above ’ + sedere ‘sit ’. The current sense dates from the mid 17th cent. usage: The standard spelling is supersede rather than supercede. The word is derived from the Latin verb supersedere but has been influenced by the presence of other words in English spelled with a c, such as intercede and accede. The c spelling is recorded as early as the 16th century; although still generally regarded as incorrect, it is now entered without comment in some modern dictionaries.

superset

super |set ▶noun Mathematics a set which includes another set or sets.

supersize

super |size |ˈsuːpəsʌɪz ˈsjuː -| ▶adjective larger than average or standard sizes; extremely large. ▶verb [ with obj. ] (often as adj. supersized ) greatly increase the size of: supersized suitcases on wheels.

supersoap

su per soap |ˈso͞opərˌsōp ˈsupərsoʊp | ▶noun a soap that contains a bactericide.

supersonic

super |sonic |suːpəˈsɒnɪk, sjuː -| ▶adjective involving or denoting a speed greater than that of sound. DERIVATIVES supersonically adverb

supersonics

super |son ¦ics |suːpəˈsɒnɪks, sjuː -| ▶plural noun [ treated as sing. ] another term for ultrasonics.

supersonic transport

su per son ic trans port (abbr.: SST ) ▶noun a commercial jet capable of exceeding the speed of sound.

superspace

super |space |ˈsuːpəspeɪs, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] Physics a concept of space –time in which points are defined by more than four coordinates. • a space of infinitely many dimensions postulated to contain actual space –time and all possible spaces.

superspecies

superstar

super |star |ˈsuːpəstɑː, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun an extremely famous and successful performer or sports player: he became a superstar overnight | [ as modifier ] : despite their superstar status the band refuse to change their lifestyle. DERIVATIVES superstardom noun

superstate

super |state |ˈsuːpəsteɪt, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a large and powerful state formed from a federation or union of nations: we are not advocates of a European superstate.

superstation

super |sta ¦tion ▶noun N. Amer. a television station using satellite technology to broadcast over a very large area, especially an entire continent.

superstition

super |sti ¦tion |ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃ (ə )n, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] excessively credulous belief in and reverence for the supernatural: he dismissed the ghost stories as mere superstition. • [ count noun ] a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief: she touched her locket for luck, a superstition she'd had since childhood. ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin superstitio (n- ), from super- ‘over ’ + stare ‘to stand ’ (perhaps from the notion of ‘standing over ’ something in awe ).

superstitious

super |sti ¦tious |suːpəˈstɪʃəs, sjuː -| ▶adjective having or showing a belief in superstitions: many superstitious beliefs and practices are connected with sneezing. DERIVATIVES superstitiously adverb, superstitiousness noun

superstore

super |store |ˈsuːpəstɔː, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a very large out-of-town supermarket.

superstratum

superstratum |suːpəˈstrɑːtəm, -ˈstreɪtəm sjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superstrata |-tə | ) an overlying stratum.

superstring

super |string |ˈsuːpəˌstrɪŋ, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun Physics a subatomic particle in a version of string theory that incorporates supersymmetry.

superstructure

super |struc ¦ture |ˈsuːpəstrʌktʃə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a structure built on top of something else. • the parts of a ship, other than masts and rigging, built above its hull and main deck. • the part of a building above its foundations. • a concept or idea based on others. • (in Marxist theory ) the institutions and culture considered to result from or reflect the economic system underlying a society. DERIVATIVES superstructural adjective

supersymmetry

super |sym ¦metry |suːpəˈsɪmɪtri | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Physics a very general type of mathematical symmetry which relates fermions and bosons. DERIVATIVES supersymmetric adjective

supertanker

super |tank ¦er |ˈsuːpətaŋkə, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun a very large oil tanker.

supertaster

super |taster ▶noun a person who has more taste buds than normal and is very sensitive to particular tastes.

supertax

super |tax |ˈsuːpətaks, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] an additional tax on something already taxed.

supertitle

super |title ▶noun & verb North American term for surtitle.

supertonic

super |tonic |suːpəˈtɒnɪk, sjuː -| ▶noun Music the second note of the diatonic scale of any key; the note above the tonic.

Super Tuesday

Super Tues |day ▶noun US informal a day on which several states hold primary elections.

supertwist

superunleaded

superuser

super |user ▶noun a user of a computer system with special privileges needed to administer and maintain the system; a system administrator.

supervene

supervene |ˌsuːpəˈviːn ˌsjuː -| ▶verb [ no obj. ] occur as an interruption or change to an existing situation: he had appendicitis and as complications supervened, refrained from work for months | (as adj. supervening ) : any plan is liable to be disrupted by supervening events. • Philosophy (of a fact or property ) be entailed by or consequent on the existence or establishment of another: the view that mental events supervene upon physical ones. DERIVATIVES supervenient adjective, supervention |-ˈvɛnʃ (ə )n |noun ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Latin supervenire, from super- ‘in addition ’ + venire ‘come ’.

supervise

super |vise |ˈsuːpəvʌɪz, ˈsjuː -| ▶verb [ with obj. ] observe and direct the execution of (a task or activity ): the sergeant left to supervise the loading of the lorries. • observe and direct the work of (someone ): nurses were supervised by a consultant psychiatrist. • keep watch over (someone ) in the interest of their or others' security: the prisoners were supervised by two officers. ORIGIN late 15th cent. (in the sense ‘survey, peruse ’): from medieval Latin supervis- ‘surveyed, supervised ’, from supervidere, from super- ‘over ’ + videre ‘to see ’.

supervision

super |vi ¦sion |ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒn ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ mass noun ] the action of supervising someone or something: he was placed under the supervision of a probation officer. she let them work without supervision.

supervision order

supervisor

super |visor |ˈsuːpəvʌɪzə ˈsjuː | ▶noun a person who supervises a person or an activity. • a person who directs and oversees the work of a postgraduate research student. DERIVATIVES supervisory adjective

supervoltage

super |volt ¦age |ˌsuːpəˈvəʊltɪdʒ, -ˈvɒltɪdʒ, ˌsjuː -| ▶noun [ usu. as modifier ] Medicine a voltage in excess of 200 kV used in X-ray radiotherapy.

superweed

superweed |ˈsuːpəwiːd, ˈsjuː | ▶noun a weed which is extremely resistant to herbicides, especially one created by the transfer of genes from genetically modified crops into wild plants.

superwoman

super |woman |ˈsuːpəwʊmən, ˈsjuː -| ▶noun ( pl. superwomen ) informal a woman with exceptional physical or mental ability, especially one who successfully manages a home, brings up children, and has a full-time job.

American Oxford Thesaurus

super

super adjective informal we had a super time at the water park: excellent, superb, superlative, first-class, outstanding, marvelous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, glorious; informal great, fantastic, fabulous, terrific, ace, divine, A1, wicked, cool, killer; smashing, brilliant. ANTONYMS rotten.

superannuated

superannuated adjective 1 a superannuated civil servant: pensioned (off ), retired; elderly, old. 2 superannuated computing equipment: old, old-fashioned, antiquated, out of date, outmoded, broken-down, obsolete, disused, defunct.

superb

superb adjective 1 he scored a superb goal: excellent, superlative, first-rate, first-class, outstanding, remarkable, marvelous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, admirable, noteworthy, impressive, fine, exquisite, exceptional, glorious; informal great, fantastic, fabulous, terrific, super, awesome, ace, cool, A1, brilliant, killer. ANTONYMS poor, inferior. 2 a superb diamond necklace: magnificent, majestic, splendid, grand, impressive, imposing, awe-inspiring, breathtaking; gorgeous. ANTONYMS poor, inferior.

supercilious

supercilious adjective a supercilious young clerk: arrogant, haughty, conceited, disdainful, overbearing, pompous, condescending, superior, patronizing, imperious, proud, snobbish, snobby, smug, scornful, sneering; informal hoity-toity, high and mighty, uppity, snooty, stuck-up, snotty, snot-nosed, jumped up, too big for one's britches.

superficial

superficial adjective 1 superficial burns: surface, exterior, external, outer, outside, slight. ANTONYMS deep, thorough. 2 a superficial friendship: shallow, surface, skin-deep, artificial; empty, hollow, meaningless. ANTONYMS deep, significant. 3 a superficial investigation: cursory, perfunctory, casual, sketchy, desultory, token, slapdash, offhand, rushed, hasty, hurried. ANTONYMS comprehensive, thorough. 4 a superficial resemblance: apparent, seeming, outward, ostensible, cosmetic, slight. ANTONYMS genuine, authentic. 5 a superficial analysis: trivial, lightweight, two-dimensional. ANTONYMS profound. 6 a superficial person: facile, shallow, flippant, empty-headed, trivial, frivolous, silly, inane. ANTONYMS deep, thoughtful.

superficially

superficially adverb some reptiles and amphibians are superficially alike: apparently, seemingly, ostensibly, outwardly, on the surface, on the face of it, at first glance, to the casual eye.

superfluity

superfluity noun California has always had a superfluity of fresh crab: surplus, excess, overabundance, glut, surfeit, profusion, plethora. ANTONYMS shortage.

superfluous

superfluous adjective 1 superfluous material: surplus (to requirements ), nonessential, redundant, unneeded, excess, extra, (to ) spare, remaining, unused, left over, in excess, waste. ANTONYMS necessary, essential. 2 words seemed superfluous: unnecessary, unneeded, redundant, uncalled for, unwarranted. ANTONYMS necessary.

superhuman

superhuman adjective 1 a superhuman effort: extraordinary, phenomenal, prodigious, stupendous, exceptional, remarkable, immense, heroic. ANTONYMS average, unremarkable. 2 superhuman power: divine, holy, heavenly. 3 superhuman beings: supernatural, preternatural, paranormal, otherworldly, unearthly; rare extramundane. ANTONYMS mundane.

superintend

superintend verb he was expected to superintend a grand banquet: supervise, oversee, be in charge of, be in control of, preside over, direct, administer, manage, run, be responsible for.

superintendent

superintendent noun 1 the superintendent of the museum: manager, director, administrator, supervisor, overseer, controller, chief, head, governor; informal boss. 2 the building's superintendent: caretaker, janitor, warden, porter.

superior

superior adjective 1 a superior officer: higher-ranking, higher-level, senior, higher, higher-up. ANTONYMS junior, inferior. 2 the superior candidate: better, more expert, more skillful; worthier, fitter, preferred. ANTONYMS worse, inferior. 3 superior workmanship: high-quality; finer, better, higher-grade, of higher quality, greater; accomplished, expert. ANTONYMS low-quality, inferior. 4 superior chocolate: good-quality, high-quality, first-class, first-rate, top-quality; choice, select, exclusive, prime, prize, fine, excellent, best, choicest, finest. ANTONYMS low-quality, inferior. 5 a superior hotel: high-class, upper-class, select, exclusive, upscale, upmarket, five-star; informal classy, posh. ANTONYMS downmarket, inferior. 6 Hamish regarded her with superior amusement: condescending, supercilious, patronizing, haughty, disdainful, pompous, snobbish; informal high and mighty, hoity-toity, snooty, stuck-up. ANTONYMS humble, modest. ▶noun my immediate superior: manager, chief, supervisor, senior, controller, foreman; informal boss. ANTONYMS subordinate.

superiority

superiority noun the military superiority of the North: supremacy, advantage, lead, dominance, primacy, ascendancy, eminence.

superlative

superlative adjective a superlative photographer: excellent, magnificent, wonderful, marvelous, supreme, consummate, outstanding, remarkable, fine, choice, first-rate, first-class, premier, prime, unsurpassed, unequaled, unparalleled, unrivaled, preeminent; informal crack, ace, wicked, brilliant. ANTONYMS mediocre.

supernatural

supernatural adjective 1 supernatural powers: paranormal, psychic, magic, magical, occult, mystic, mystical, superhuman, supernormal; rare extramundane. 2 a supernatural being: ghostly, phantom, spectral, otherworldly, unearthly, unnatural.

supersede

supersede verb I was superseded by much younger men: replace, take the place of, take over from, succeed; supplant, displace, oust, overthrow, remove, unseat; informal fill someone's shoes /boots. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD See replace . These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

superstition

superstition noun 1 the old superstitions held by sailors: myth, belief, old wives' tale; legend, story. 2 medicine was riddled with superstition: unfounded belief, credulity, fallacy, delusion, illusion; magic, sorcery; informal humbug, hooey.

superstitious

superstitious adjective 1 superstitious beliefs: mythical, irrational, illusory, groundless, unfounded; traditional. ANTONYMS factual. 2 he's incredibly superstitious: credulous, naive, gullible. ANTONYMS skeptical.

supervise

supervise verb 1 he had to supervise the loading: oversee, superintend, be in charge of, preside over, direct, manage, run, look after, be responsible for, govern, organize, handle, micromanage. 2 you may need to supervise the patient: watch, oversee, keep an eye on, observe, monitor, mind; invigilate.

supervision

supervision noun 1 the supervision of the banking system: administration, management, control, charge; superintendence, regulation, government, governance. 2 keep your children under supervision: observation, guidance, custody, charge, safekeeping, care, guardianship; control.

supervisor

supervisor noun the supervisor of sector B: manager, director, overseer, controller, superintendent, governor, chief, head; steward, foreman; informal boss.

Oxford Thesaurus

super

super adjective informal win a super day out at York: excellent, superb, superlative, first-rate, first-class, superior, outstanding, remarkable, dazzling, marvellous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, fine, exquisite, exceptional, glorious, sublime, peerless, perfect, of the first water; informal brilliant, great, fantastic, fabulous, terrific, awesome, ace, stellar, divine, smashing, A1, tip-top, top-notch, neat, mega, wicked, cool, banging, crucial; Brit. informal brill, cracking. ANTONYMS rotten, lousy.

superannuated

superannuated adjective 1 a superannuated civil servant: pensioned off, retired, pensioned; elderly, old; informal, derogatory over the hill, long in the tooth, past it, put out to grass. 2 the old terminus was converted into a goods station, a common fate for superannuated passenger stations: old, old-fashioned, antiquated, out of date, outmoded, anachronistic, broken-down, outworn; obsolete, disused, fallen into disuse, no longer used, defunct, moribund; informal clapped out.

superb

superb adjective 1 he scored a superb goal: excellent, superlative, first-rate, first-class, superior, supreme, outstanding, remarkable, dazzling, marvellous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, admirable, noteworthy, impressive, fine, exquisite, exceptional, glorious, sublime, perfect, of the first order, of the first water; informal great, fantastic, fabulous, stellar, terrific, super, awesome, ace, cool, A1, tip-top; Brit. informal brilliant, brill, smashing, bosting. ANTONYMS poor, inferior. 2 a superb diamond necklace: magnificent, majestic, splendid, grand, impressive, imposing, awe-inspiring, breathtaking; gorgeous, choice, resplendent, stately; sumptuous, opulent, lavish, luxurious, deluxe; informal plush, ritzy. ANTONYMS poor, inferior.

supercilious

supercilious adjective a supercilious young minister: arrogant, haughty, conceited, disdainful, overbearing, pompous, condescending, superior, patronizing, imperious, proud, lofty, lordly, snobbish, snobby, overweening, smug; pretentious, affected; scornful, mocking, sneering, scoffing; informal hoity-toity, high and mighty, uppity, snooty, stuck-up, fancy-pants, toffee-nosed, snotty, jumped up, too big for one's boots. ANTONYMS humble, modest.

superficial

superficial adjective 1 his face was blotched with superficial burns: surface, exterior, external, outer, outside, outermost, peripheral, slight. ANTONYMS deep, thorough. 2 she made no attempt to be friendly on anything but the most superficial level: shallow, surface, on the surface, skin-deep, minimal, artificial; insignificant, unimportant, empty, hollow, meaningless. ANTONYMS deep, significant. 3 a superficial investigation: cursory, perfunctory, casual, sketchy, desultory, unconsidered, token, slapdash, slipshod, offhand, inadequate, imperfect, slight; rushed, hasty, hurried, rapid, fleeting, passing. ANTONYMS thorough, comprehensive. 4 its spines give it a superficial resemblance to a hedgehog: apparent, specious, seeming, outward, ostensible, cosmetic, slight. ANTONYMS genuine, authentic. 5 I think there is too much superficial cricket autobiography available: trivial, lightweight, sketchy, slight, insignificant. ANTONYMS profound. 6 I suppose Michael was quite a superficial person, but to me he represented excitement: facile, shallow, glib, flippant, thoughtless, empty-headed, trivial, frivolous, silly, inane, without depth, fatuous. ANTONYMS thoughtful.

superficially

superficially adverb some reptiles and amphibians are superficially very alike | superficially, it was an obvious statement to make: apparently, seemingly, ostensibly, outwardly, on the surface, on the face of it, to all appearances, to all intents and purposes, at first glance, at face value, to the casual eye; externally, visibly, trivially.

superfluity

superfluity noun California has always had a superfluity of fresh crab: surplus, excess, overabundance, glut, surfeit, profusion, plethora, embarrassment, avalanche, deluge, flood, overload. ANTONYMS lack, shortage.

superfluous

superfluous adjective 1 a tool for removing superfluous material: surplus, redundant, unneeded, not required, excess, extra, spare, to spare, remaining, unused, left over; useless, unproductive, undue, in excess, surplus to requirements; expendable, disposable, dispensable, unwanted, waste. ANTONYMS necessary, essential. 2 Charlie gave him a look that made words superfluous: unnecessary, needless, unneeded, inessential, pointless, redundant, uncalled for, unwarranted, unjustified, gratuitous. ANTONYMS necessary, essential.

superhuman

superhuman adjective 1 their madness gives them superhuman strength: extraordinary, phenomenal, prodigious, stupendous, exceptional, great, immense, enormous, heroic, godlike, Herculean, remarkable. ANTONYMS average, unremarkable. 2 the superhuman power which raised Christ from the dead: divine, holy, spiritual, heavenly, godlike. 3 superhuman agencies and powers: supernatural, preternatural, paranormal, other-worldly, unearthly, extramundane, magical, occult. ANTONYMS mundane.

superintend

superintend verb he was expected to superintend a grand banquet: supervise, oversee, be in charge of, be in control of, preside over, direct, administer, manage, run, look after, be responsible for, govern, operate, conduct, handle, steer, pilot.

superintendent

superintendent noun 1 he became superintendent of the university museum: manager, director, administrator, supervisor, overseer, controller, boss, chief, head, governor, organizer, conductor, foreman; informal honcho, gaffer. 2 N. Amer. the building's superintendent: caretaker, janitor, warden, porter, custodian, keeper, watchman, steward.

superior

superior adjective 1 a superior officer had never apologized to him before: higher-ranking, higher-level, senior, higher, higher-up, upper-level, upper, loftier. ANTONYMS inferior, junior. 2 the superior candidate: better, more expert, more skilful, more advanced; worthier, fitter, preferred, predominant, prevailing, surpassing. ANTONYMS inferior, worse. 3 they recognized the value of superior workmanship: finer, better, higher-grade, higher-calibre, surpassing, of higher quality, greater, grander; supreme, accomplished, expert, consummate. ANTONYMS inferior, low-quality. 4 a very superior chocolate: good-quality, high-quality, first-class, first-rate, top-quality, high-grade, of the first water, of the first order; choice, select, exclusive, rare, singular, unique, prime, prize, upmarket, fine, excellent, superb, distinguished, exceptional, outstanding, marvellous, superlative, special; best, choicest, finest, matchless, peerless, unequalled, perfect, flawless; French par excellence. ANTONYMS inferior, low-quality. 5 a superior hotel: high-class, upper-class, select, exclusive, elite; Brit. upmarket; informal classy, posh, snobby. ANTONYMS inferior, downmarket. 6 Jake regarded her with superior amusement: condescending, supercilious, patronizing, haughty, disdainful, lofty, lordly, pompous, snobbish, snobby; informal high and mighty, hoity-toity, uppity, snooty, stuck-up, toffee-nosed, fancy-pants, jumped up, too big for one's boots, uppish. ANTONYMS humble, modest. ▶noun my immediate superior in the department: manager, boss, chief, supervisor, senior, controller, headman, foreman. ANTONYMS inferior, subordinate, assistant.

superiority

superiority noun despite the military superiority of the government forces, the rebels continued to hold on to territory in the south: supremacy, advantage, lead, dominance, primacy, ascendancy, leadership, precedence, edge, whip hand, better quality; excellence, eminence, distinction, greatness. ANTONYMS inferiority.

superlative

superlative adjective he is without doubt a superlative photographer: excellent, magnificent, wonderful, glorious, marvellous, brilliant, supreme, consummate, outstanding, prodigious, dazzling, remarkable, formidable, fine, choice, sterling, first-rate, first-class, of the first water, of the first order, of the highest order, premier, prime, unsurpassed, unequalled, unparalleled, unrivalled, unbeatable, peerless, matchless, singular, unique, transcendent, best, greatest, worthiest, pre-eminent, perfect, faultless, flawless; informal crack, ace, stellar, wicked. ANTONYMS poor, unexceptional, mediocre.

supernatural

supernatural adjective 1 supernatural powers: paranormal, psychic, magic, magical, occult, mystic, mystical, miraculous, superhuman, supernormal, hypernormal, extramundane; inexplicable, uncanny, unaccountable, unbelievable, non-rational, weird, mysterious, arcane. ANTONYMS natural, normal. 2 stories about a supernatural hound: ghostly, phantom, spectral, magical, mystic, other-worldly, unearthly, unnatural, unreal, mysterious, fabulous; informal spooky.

supersede

supersede verb I found myself superseded by much younger men | the tutorial has, in most colleges, been superseded by the lecture: replace, supplant, take the place of, take over from, substitute for, displace, oust, overthrow, remove, unseat, override; succeed, come after, step into the shoes of; informal crowd out, fill someone's boots. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD supersede, supplant, replace See replace . These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.

superstition

superstition noun 1 Mungo remembered the old superstition that seagulls were the souls of dead sailors: myth, belief, old wives' tale, notion; legend, story. 2 medicine was riddled with superstition and ignorance: unfounded belief, credulity; magic, sorcery, witchcraft; fallacy, delusion, illusion. ANTONYMS science.

superstitious

superstitious adjective 1 superstitious beliefs: mythical, irrational, illusory, groundless, unfounded, unprovable; traditional. ANTONYMS rational, factual, scientific. 2 Joe is incredibly superstitious: credulous, prone to superstition; naive, gullible. ANTONYMS sceptical.

supervise

supervise verb he left early to supervise the loading of the lorries: superintend, oversee, be in charge of, be in control of, preside over, direct, administer, manage, run, look after, be responsible for, govern, operate, conduct, organize, handle, guide, steer, pilot.

supervision

supervision noun 1 one of the Bank of England's functions is the supervision of the banking system: administration, management, direction, control, charge; overseeing, superintendence, regulation, government, governance, operation. 2 there is a sign telling parents to keep their children under supervision: observation, inspection, guidance, custody, charge, safe keeping, care, guardianship, wardship, leadership.

supervisor

supervisor noun she exchanged a few words with the shift supervisor: manager, director, administrator, overseer, controller, boss, chief, superintendent, inspector, head, governor, superior, organizer, conductor, steward, foreman, ganger; informal honcho, gaffer.

Duden Dictionary

super

su per Adjektiv umgangssprachlich |s u per |indeklinables Adjektiv lateinisch super = oben, (dar )über; über – hinaus überragend, Begeisterung hervorrufend eine super Schau | ich habe es zu einem super Preis gekriegt | das Restaurant ist super | seine Freundin ist, tanzt super

Super

Su per Substantiv, Neutrum , das |S u per |das Super; Genitiv: des Supers < meist ohne Artikel > Kurzwort für: Superbenzin Super E10 Superbenzin mit einem bis zu 10 -prozentigen Anteil Bioethanol

Super

Su per Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u per |der Super; Genitiv: des Supers, Plural: die Super Kurzwort für: Superheterodynempfänger

super-

su per- , Su per- Präfix umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend Super- |s u per- S u per- |1 drückt in Bildungen mit Adjektiven eine Verstärkung aus sehr, äußerst superbequem, supergeheim, superweich 2 drückt in Bildungen mit Substantiven aus, dass jemand oder etwas als ausgezeichnet, hervorragend angesehen wird Superauto | Superhotel | Superwetter 3 drückt in Bildungen mit Substantiven einen besonders hohen Grad, ein besonders hohes Ausmaß von etwas aus Supergage, Superstuss, Supertalent

Superacidität

Su per aci di tät, Su per azi di tät Substantiv, feminin Medizin , die Superazidität |Superacidit ä t Superazidit ä t |die Superacidität; Genitiv: der Superacidität die Superazidität; Genitiv: der Superazidität lateinisch-neulateinisch übermäßig hoher Säuregehalt des Magensaftes

Superädifikat

Su per ädi fi kat Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Superädifik a t |das Superädifikat; Genitiv: des Superädifikat [e ]s, Plural: die Superädifikate lateinisch Bauwerk, das auf fremdem Grund und Boden errichtet wurde, sich also nicht im Besitz des Grundeigentümers befindet

Superalkoholika

Su per al ko ho li ka Pluralwort südtirolerisch , die |Superalkoh o lika |Pluraletantum Spirituosen

superarbitrieren

su per ar bi t rie ren , su per ar bi trie ren schwaches Verb |superarbitr ie ren |lateinisch-neulateinisch a überprüfen, eine Oberentscheidung treffen b (österreichisch ) für dienstuntauglich erklären

Superarbitrium

Su per ar bi t ri um , Su per ar bi tri um Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Superarb i trium |das Superarbitrium; Genitiv: des Superarbitriums, Plural: die Superarbitrien Überprüfung, Oberentscheidung

superb

su perb Adjektiv bildungssprachlich süperb |sup e rb |französisch superbe < lateinisch superbus ausgezeichnet, vorzüglich das Diner war, schmeckte superb

süperb

sü perb Adjektiv bildungssprachlich superb |süp e rb |französisch superbe < lateinisch superbus ausgezeichnet, vorzüglich

Superbenzin

Su per ben zin Substantiv, Neutrum , das |S u perbenzin |das Superbenzin; Genitiv: des Superbenzins, Plural: die Superbenzine Benzin von hoher Klopffestigkeit, mit hoher Oktanzahl Kurzform: Super

Superbike

Su per bike Substantiv, Neutrum , das |S u perbike …ba͜ik |das Superbike; Genitiv: des Superbikes, Plural: die Superbikes 1 Motorrad für Rennstrecken mit [künstlichen ] Hindernissen 2 Motorradrennen von Superbikes 1

Superbowl

Su per bowl Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u perbowl …boːl |der Superbowl; Genitiv: des Superbowls englisch-amerikanisch Meisterschaft im Football

Supercargo

Su per car go , Su per kar go Substantiv, maskulin Seemannssprache, Kaufmannssprache , der Superkargo |Superc a rgo Superk a rgo |der Supercargo; Genitiv: des Supercargos, Plural: die Supercargos der Superkargo; Genitiv: des Superkargos, Plural: die Superkargos aus lateinisch super = über und Cargo Person, die ermächtigt ist, eine Schiffs- oder Luftfracht zu begleiten und zu kontrollieren

Supercomputer

Su per com pu ter Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u percomputer |der Supercomputer; Genitiv: des Supercomputers, Plural: die Supercomputer überaus leistungsfähiger, mit mehreren schnell arbeitenden Prozessoren ausgerüsteter Computer

Supercup

Su per cup Substantiv, maskulin Fußball früher , der |S u percup |der Supercup; Genitiv: des Supercups, Plural: die Supercups 1 Pokalwettbewerb zwischen den Europapokalgewinnern der Landesmeister und der Pokalsieger 2 Siegestrophäe beim Supercup 1

Superego

Su per ego Substantiv, Neutrum Psychologie , das |ˈs (j )u:pəˈri:goʊ …ɛgoʊ |das Superego; Genitiv: des Superegos, Plural: die Superegos lateinisch-englisch englische Bezeichnung für: Über-Ich

Superexlibris

Su per ex li b ris , Su per ex li bris Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Superexl i bris |das Superexlibris; Genitiv: des Superexlibris Supralibros

superfein

su per fein Adjektiv umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend |s u perfein |sehr, überaus fein

Superfekundation

Su per fe kun da ti on Substantiv, feminin Medizin , die |Superfekundati o n |die Superfekundation; Genitiv: der Superfekundation, Plural: die Superfekundationen lateinisch-neulateinisch Befruchtung von zwei Eiern desselben Zyklus durch zwei Geschlechtsakte, die mitunter zu zweieiigen Zwillingen führt

Superfetation

Su per fe ta ti on Substantiv, feminin Biologie , die |Superfetati o n |die Superfetation; Genitiv: der Superfetation, Plural: die Superfetationen lateinisch-neulateinisch Befruchtung von zwei (oder mehr ) Eiern aus zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Zyklen, wodurch zu einer bereits bestehenden Schwangerschaft eine neue hinzutritt bei manchen Säugetieren

superfiziell

su per fi zi ell Adjektiv Fachsprache, bildungssprachlich |superfizi e ll |spätlateinisch superficialis, zu lateinisch superficies, Superfizies an der Oberfläche liegend, oberflächlich

Superfrau

Su per frau Substantiv, feminin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , die |S u perfrau |die Superfrau; Genitiv: der Superfrau, Plural: die Superfrauen vgl. Supermann a

Super-G

Su per-G Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u per-G …d͜ʃiː |der Super-G; Genitiv: des Super-G [s ], Plural: die Super-G [s ] englisch, wohl kurz für: supergiant = riesengroß, Riesen- Superriesenslalom

Super-GAU

Su per-GAU Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , der |S u per-GAU |der Super-GAU; Genitiv: des Super-GAUs, Plural: die Super-GAUs allergrößter GAU der Super-GAU von Tschernobyl

supergut

su per gut Adjektiv umgangssprachlich |s u pergut |sehr gut

Superheld

Su per held Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u perheld |mit übernatürlichen Kräften ausgestatteter Held 1b 1b, 3 in Filmen und Comics

Superheldin

Su per hel din Substantiv, feminin , die |S u perheldin |weibliche Form zu Superheld

Superhet

Su per het Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u perhet |der Superhet; Genitiv: des Superhets, Plural: die Superhets Kurzwort für: Superheterodynempfänger

Superheterodynempfänger

Su per he te ro dyn emp fän ger Substantiv, maskulin , der |Superheterod y nempfänger |lateinisch ; griechisch ; deutsch Rundfunkempfänger mit hoher Verstärkung, guter Regelung und hoher Trennschärfe Kurzform: Super Kurzform: Superhet

Superhighway

Su per high way Substantiv, maskulin , der |ˈsjuːpəhaɪweɪ |der Superhighway; Genitiv: des Superhighways, Plural: die Superhighways 1 amerikanische Bezeichnung für: Autobahn 2 Datenhighway

Superhirn

Su per hirn Substantiv, Neutrum umgangssprachlich , das |S u perhirn |a zu überdurchschnittlichen Leistungen fähiges Gehirn 2 sein Superhirn speichert alle Informationen ab b überdurchschnittlich intelligenter Mensch sie ist das Superhirn des Teams

Superhit

Su per hit Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , der |S u perhit |überaus publikumswirksamer Hit

superieren

su pe rie ren schwaches Verb |super ie ren |1 veraltet überschreiten, übertreffen 2 Informatik aus vorhandenen Zeichen ein Superzeichen bilden

Superierung

Su pe rie rung Substantiv, feminin , die |Super ie rung |die Superierung; Genitiv: der Superierung, Plural: die Superierungen das Superieren

Superintendent

Su per in ten dent Substantiv, maskulin , der |Superintend e nt auch ˈzuː …|der Superintendent; Genitiv: des Superintendenten, Plural: die Superintendenten kirchenlateinisch superintendens (Genitiv: superintendentis ), substantiviertes 1. Partizip von: superintendere = die Aufsicht haben, zu lateinisch intendere, intendieren (in einigen evangelischen Landeskirchen ) geistlicher Amtsträger, der einem Dekanat 1 vorsteht

Superintendentin

Su per in ten den tin Substantiv, feminin , die |Superintend e ntin auch ˈzuː …|weibliche Form zu Superintendent

Superintendentur

Su per in ten den tur Substantiv, feminin , die |Superintendent u r |a Amt eines Superintendenten b Amtssitz eines Superintendenten

Superinvolution

Su per in vo lu ti on Substantiv, feminin , die |Superinvoluti o n |die Superinvolution; Genitiv: der Superinvolution, Plural: die Superinvolutionen lateinisch-neulateinisch Hyperinvolution

superior

su pe ri or Adjektiv bildungssprachlich |superi o r |lateinisch superior, Komparativ von: superus = oberer überlegen

Superior

Su pe ri or Substantiv, maskulin katholische Kirche , der |Sup e rior |der Superior; Genitiv: des Superiors, Plural: die Superioren lateinisch superior = der Obere Vorsteher eines Klosters oder Ordens

Superiorin

Su pe ri o rin Substantiv, feminin katholische Kirche , die |Superi o rin |weibliche Form zu Superior

Superiorität

Su pe ri o ri tät Substantiv, feminin bildungssprachlich , die |Superiorit ä t |mittellateinisch superioritas, zu (mittel )lateinisch superior, superior Überlegenheit

superklug

su per klug Adjektiv umgangssprachlich ironisch |s u perklug |a sich für besonders klug haltend b für besonders klug geltend

superkrustal

su per krus tal Adjektiv Geologie suprakrustal |superkrust a l |zu lateinisch super = oben, (dar )über und lateinisch crusta, Kruste an der Erdoberfläche gebildet von Gesteinen

superlativ

su per la tiv Adjektiv |s u perlativ |lateinisch a überragend b Rhetorik übertreibend, übertrieben, hyperbolisch 2

Superlativ

Su per la tiv Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u perlativ |der Superlativ; Genitiv: des Superlativs, Plural: die Superlative 1 spätlateinisch (gradus ) superlativus Sprachwissenschaft zweite Steigerungsstufe in der Komparation 2 , Höchststufe z. B. schönste, am besten 2 a meist im Plural bildungssprachlich etwas, was zum Besten gehört und nicht zu überbieten ist eine Veranstaltung, ein Fest, ein Land der Superlative b bildungssprachlich Ausdruck höchsten Wertes, Lobes von jemandem, etwas in Superlativen sprechen

superlativisch

su per la ti visch Adjektiv |s u perlativisch |1 den Superlativ betreffend 2 a überragend b übertrieben, superlativ b

Superlativismus

Su per la ti vis mus Substantiv, maskulin , der |Superlativ i smus |der Superlativismus; Genitiv: des Superlativismus, Plural: die Superlativismen lateinisch-neulateinisch a übermäßige Verwendung von Superlativen b Übertreibung

Super League

Su per League Substantiv, feminin Sport , die |S u per League - ˈliːg |die Super League; Genitiv: der Super League höchste Schweizer Fußballliga

Superlearning

Su per lear ning Substantiv, Neutrum , das |ˈsjuːpɐləːnɪŋ |zu super- , Super- und englisch learning = das Lernen Lernmethode für Fremdsprachen, die darin besteht, durch gezielte Entspannungsübungen eine bessere Aufnahmefähigkeit zu erreichen

superleicht

su per leicht Adjektiv umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend |s u perleicht |sehr, überaus leicht 1 1 a, 2 a

Superleichtgewicht

Su per leicht ge wicht Substantiv, Neutrum Schwerathletik , das |S u perleichtgewicht |a ohne Plural Körpergewichtsklasse im Judo und im Boxen b Sportler der Körpergewichtsklasse Superleichtgewicht a

Supermacht

Su per macht Substantiv, feminin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , die |S u permacht |die Supermacht; Genitiv: der Supermacht, Plural: die Supermächte dominierende Großmacht

Supermann

Su per mann Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , der |S u permann |der Supermann; Genitiv: des Supermann [e ]s, Plural: die Supermänner a Mann, der große Leistungen vollbringt b besonders männlich wirkender Mann

Supermarket

Su per mar ket Substantiv, maskulin , der |ˈs (j )uːpəmaːkɪt |der Supermarket; Genitiv: des Supermarkets, Plural: die Supermarkets englisch-amerikanisch englische Bezeichnung für: Supermarkt

Supermarkt

Su per markt Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u permarkt |der Supermarkt; Genitiv: des Supermarkt [e ]s, Plural: die Supermärkte englisch supermarket, aus: super- = sehr, überaus und market = Markt groß ausgebautes Geschäft 2b mit reichhaltigem Sortiment, oft etwas niedrigeren Preisen und Selbstbedienung Kurzform: Markt 4 im Supermarkt an der Kasse anstehen

Superminister

Su per mi nis ter Substantiv, maskulin , der |S u perminister |der Superminister; Genitiv: des Superministers, Plural: die Superminister lateinisch; lateinisch-französisch Minister, der für mehr als ein Ressort verantwortlich ist (z. B. Wirtschaft und Arbeit )

Superministerin

Su per mi nis te rin Substantiv, feminin , die weibliche Form zu Superminister

Supermodel

Su per mo del Substantiv, Neutrum umgangssprachlich , das |S u permodel |[weltweit ] berühmtes und hoch bezahltes Fotomodell das Phänomen der Supermodels

supermodern

su per mo dern Adjektiv umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend |s u permodern |überaus modern, dem neuesten Stand, Trend entsprechend ein supermodernes Faxgerät

Supernaturalismus

Su per na tu ra lis mus , der Supranaturalismus |Supernatural i smus |

supernaturalistisch

su per na tu ra lis tisch Adjektiv supranaturalistisch |supernatural i stisch |den Supranaturalismus betreffend

Supernova

Su per no va Substantiv, feminin Astronomie , die |Supern o va |besonders lichtstarke Nova

Supernym

Su per nym Substantiv, Neutrum Sprachwissenschaft , das Superonym |Supern y m |das Supernym; Genitiv: des Supernyms, Plural: die Supernyme zu lateinisch super = oben, (dar )über und griechisch ónyma = Name Hyperonym

Supernymie

Su per ny mie Substantiv, feminin , die Superonymie |Supernym ie |die Supernymie; Genitiv: der Supernymie, Plural: die Supernymien Hyperonymie

Superonym

Su pe r o nym, Su pe ro nym Substantiv, Neutrum Sprachwissenschaft , das Supernym |Superon y m |das Superonym; Genitiv: des Superonyms, Plural: die Superonyme zu lateinisch super = oben, (dar )über und griechisch ónyma = Name Hyperonym

Superonymie

Su pe r o ny mie , Su pe ro ny mie Substantiv, feminin , die Supernymie |Superonym ie |die Superonymie; Genitiv: der Superonymie, Plural: die Superonymien Hyperonymie

Superoxid

Su per oxid Substantiv, Neutrum Chemie , das |S u peroxid |das Superoxid; Genitiv: des Superoxid [e ]s, Plural: die Superoxide zu lateinisch super = oben, (dar )über und Oxid Peroxid

Superpelliceum

Su per pel li ce um Substantiv, Neutrum , das |Superpell i ceum |das Superpelliceum; Genitiv: des Superpelliceums, Plural: die Superpellicea lateinisch-mittellateinisch (früher über dem Pelzrock getragener ) weißer Chorrock der katholischen Priester

Superphosphat

Su per phos phat Substantiv, Neutrum , das |S u perphosphat |phosphathaltiger Kunstdünger

superponieren

su per po nie ren schwaches Verb besonders Medizin |superpon ie ren |lateinisch überlagern, übereinanderlagern

superponiert

su per po niert Adjektiv Botanik |superpon ie rt |übereinanderstehend von [Blüten ]blättern

Superposition

Su per po si ti on Substantiv, feminin Physik , die |Superpositi o n |Überlagerung, besonders von Kräften oder Schwingungen

Superpositionsauge

Su per po si ti ons au ge Substantiv, Neutrum Biologie , das |Superpositi o nsauge |das Superpositionsauge; Genitiv: des Superpositionsauges, Plural: die Superpositionsaugen lateinisch ; deutsch besondere Form des Facettenauges

Superpreis

Su per preis Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , der |S u perpreis |a besonders günstiger Preis 1 b besonders attraktiver Preis 2

superreich

su per reich Adjektiv umgangssprachlich |s u perreich |sehr reich ein superreicher IT-Unternehmer

Superrevision

Su per re vi si on Substantiv, feminin Wirtschaft , die |Superrevisi o n |Nach-, Überprüfung

Superriesenslalom

Su per rie sen sla lom Substantiv, maskulin Ski , der |S u perriesenslalom |(zu den alpinen Wettbewerben gehörender ) Riesenslalom, der dem Abfahrtslauf angenähert ist; Super-G

superschlank

su per schlank Adjektiv umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend |s u perschlank |sehr, überaus schlank

superschlau

su per schlau Adjektiv umgangssprachlich ironisch |s u perschlau |sich für besonders schlau haltend

superschnell

su per schnell Adjektiv umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend |s u perschnell |sehr, überaus schnell

Superschwergewicht

Su per schwer ge wicht Substantiv, Neutrum Schwerathletik , das |S u perschwergewicht |a ohne Plural Körpergewichtsklasse im Boxen, im Gewichtheben und im Ringen b Sportler der Körpergewichtsklasse Superschwergewicht a

Supersekretion

Su per se kre ti on Substantiv, feminin , die |Supersekreti o n |die Supersekretion; Genitiv: der Supersekretion, Plural: die Supersekretionen Hypersekretion

supersonisch

su per so nisch Adjektiv |supers o nisch |englisch supersonic, zu lateinisch super = über und sonus = Schall, Ton über der Schallgeschwindigkeit; schneller als der Schall

Superstar

Su per star Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , der |S u perstar |der Superstar; Genitiv: des Superstars, Plural: die Superstars überragender Star 1a

Superstrat

Su per strat Substantiv, Neutrum Sprachwissenschaft , das |Superstr a t |französisch superstrat, gebildet mit dem französischen Präfix super- (< lateinisch super = über ) nach: substrat = Substrat Sprache eines Eroberervolkes im Hinblick auf den Niederschlag, den sie in der Sprache der Besiegten gefunden hat

Supertanker

Su per tan ker Substantiv, maskulin umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend , der |S u pertanker |der Supertanker; Genitiv: des Supertankers, Plural: die Supertanker besonders großer Tanker

Supervision

Su per vi si on Substantiv, feminin , die |Supervisi o n engl.: ˈsjuːpəˈvɪʒən |die Supervision; Genitiv: der Supervision englisch supervision < mittellateinisch supervisio = Aufsicht, zu: supervisum, Supervisor a (in einem Betrieb, einer Organisation o. Ä.) zur Klärung von Konflikten, Problemen innerhalb eines Teams, einer Abteilung o. Ä. und zur Erhöhung der Arbeits- und Leistungsfähigkeit eingesetzte Methode b (in der psychoanalytischen Praxis ) Beratung und Beaufsichtigung von Psychotherapeuten

Supervisor

Su per vi sor Substantiv, maskulin , der |Superv i sor englisch ˈs (j )uːpɐva͜izɐ |der Supervisor; Genitiv: des Supervisors, Plural: die Supervisoren und (bei englischer Aussprache: ) Supervisors englisch supervisor < mittellateinisch supervisor = Beobachter, zu: supervisum, 2. Partizip von: supervidere = beobachten, kontrollieren 1 |auch englisch ˈsjuːpəvaɪzə |Wirtschaft Person, die innerhalb eines Betriebes Aufseher- und Kontrollfunktionen wahrnimmt der Supervisor bemängelte die schlechte Organisation 2 a psychologisch ausgebildete männliche Person, die berufsmäßig Supervision a betreibt der Supervisor ließ alle Berater ihre Erwartungen aussprechen b (in der psychoanalytischen Praxis ) Psychoanalytiker, Psychotherapeut, Psychologe, der Supervision b betreibt 3 |auch englisch ˈsjuːpəvaɪzə |EDV Systemadministrator der Supervisor kann die elektronische Kontrolle von Telefongesprächen übernehmen

Supervisorin

Su per vi so rin Substantiv, feminin , die |Supervis o rin |weibliche Form zu Supervisor 1 1, 2

superwichtig

su per wich tig Adjektiv umgangssprachlich emotional verstärkend |s u perwichtig |sehr, überaus wichtig

Superzahl

Su per zahl Substantiv, feminin , die |S u perzahl |letzte Ziffer der Losnummer beim Lottospiel er hatte 6 Richtige und die Superzahl richtig getippt

Superzeichen

Su per zei chen Substantiv, Neutrum Kybernetik , das |S u perzeichen |

Super-8-Film

Su per-8 -Film Substantiv, maskulin , der |zupɐˈ |axt …|(8 mm breiter ) Schmalfilm

Super-8-Kamera

Su per-8 -Ka me ra Substantiv, feminin , die Kamera für Super-8 -Filme

French Dictionary

super

super adj. inv. adjectif invariable familier Extraordinaire, formidable. : Ces copines sont super. SYNONYME extraordinaire ; fabuleux ; merveilleux .

super

super n. m. nom masculin Abréviation familière de supercarburant. : Quarante litres de super sans plomb.

super-

super- préf. préfixe Élément du latin signifiant « au-dessus ». Note Technique Les mots composés avec le préfixe super- s ’écrivent en un seul mot. Superpuissance, superposer.

superbe

superbe adj. et n. f. adjectif Merveilleux, magnifique. : Un jardin superbe. SYNONYME somptueux . nom féminin littéraire Fierté vaniteuse. : Sa superbe n ’a d ’égale que son arrogance.

superbement

superbement adv. adverbe Avec magnificence. : Ce palais est superbement aménagé.

supercarburant

supercarburant n. m. nom masculin Carburant dont l ’indice d ’octane est élevé. : Cette voiture requiert du supercarburant. Note Technique Le nom s ’abrège familièrement en super.

supercherie

supercherie n. f. nom féminin Fraude. : Une habile supercherie. SYNONYME tromperie .

superfétatoire

superfétatoire adj. adjectif littéraire Superflu. : Des compliments superfétatoires. Note Orthographique superfétat oire.

superficie

superficie n. f. nom féminin Mesure de la surface. : Ce terrain a une superficie de 850 m 2. Note Sémantique Ne pas confondre avec le mot surface, aire, étendue. Note Orthographique superfi c ie.

superficiel

superficiel , ielle adj. adjectif Qui est en surface, qui ne va pas au fond des choses. : Une connaissance superficielle du sujet. SYNONYME futile ; léger . ANTONYME profond . Note Orthographique superfi c iel.

superficiellement

superficiellement adv. adverbe D ’une manière superficielle. : Ils ont examiné superficiellement la situation sans régler les questions fondamentales.

superfin

superfin , ine adj. adjectif D ’une qualité supérieure. : Du chocolat superfin.

superflu

superflu , ue adj. et n. m. adjectif Inutile, qui est en trop. : Des achats superflus. ANTONYME nécessaire ; obligatoire . nom masculin Ce qui excède le nécessaire. : Nous nous passerons de ces produits de luxe qui sont du superflu. ANTONYME essentiel ; indispensable .

supérieur

supérieur , ieure adj. et n. m. et f. adjectif 1 Qui est au-dessus, en haut (par opposition à inférieur ). : Le nombre d ’exemplaires vendus est supérieur aux prévisions. Ils habitent à l ’étage supérieur. Note Syntaxique L ’adjectif se construit avec la préposition à. 2 Qui surpasse en qualité, en mérite, en rang. : Ce film est supérieur à tout ce que ce cinéaste a fait jusqu ’ici. ANTONYME inférieur . Note Technique L ’adjectif étant un comparatif, on ne peut l ’employer avec le plus, le moins ; cependant, il s ’emploie avec très, si, de beaucoup. Cet article est très supérieur au précédent. nom masculin et féminin 1 Personne qui se situe au-dessus d ’une autre dans la structure hiérarchique. : Elle est sa supérieure hiérarchique. 2 Religieux, religieuse qui dirige un monastère, un couvent, etc. : La supérieure d ’un couvent, la mère supérieure. Note Typographique Les titres religieux s ’écrivent avec une minuscule.

supérieurement

supérieurement adv. adverbe Parfaitement, très. : Ces coureurs sont supérieurement rapides.

supériorité

supériorité n. f. nom féminin Qualité d ’une personne, d ’une chose qui est au-dessus des autres. : La supériorité de ce skieur est évidente. SYNONYME excellence ; prééminence .

superlatif

superlatif n. m. nom masculin Degré de comparaison de l ’adjectif exprimant la qualité d ’un être ou d ’un objet au degré le plus élevé (supériorité relative ), au degré le moins élevé (infériorité relative ) en comparaison avec d ’autres êtres ou objets ou à un très haut degré (supériorité ou infériorité absolue ), sans comparaison avec d ’autres êtres ou objets.

supermarché

supermarché n. m. nom masculin Vaste magasin offrant des produits alimentaires et courants en libre-service. : Des supermarchés qui font partie d ’une chaîne.

supernova

supernova n. f. (pl. supernovæ ou supernovas ) nom féminin astronomie Étoile qui devient soudainement plus brillante.

superposable

superposable adj. adjectif Que l ’on peut superposer. : Des éléments superposables.

superposer

superposer v. tr. , pronom. verbe transitif Poser l ’un au-dessus de l ’autre. : Superposer les sections d ’une bibliothèque. verbe pronominal S ’ajouter à. : Ces tables peuvent se superposer. Note Grammaticale À la forme pronominale, le participe passé de ce verbe s ’accorde toujours en genre et en nombre avec son sujet. Ces motifs se sont superposés. aimer

superposition

superposition n. f. nom féminin Action de superposer; ensemble d ’éléments superposés.

superproduction

superproduction n. f. nom féminin Spectacle à grand déploiement. : Des superproductions ennuyeuses.

superpuissance

superpuissance n. f. nom féminin État dont l ’importance dépasse celle des autres puissances. : Les États-Unis et le Japon sont des superpuissances.

supersonique

supersonique adj. et n. m. adjectif Se dit d ’une vitesse qui dépasse celle du son. : Un avion supersonique. nom masculin Avion dont la vitesse est supérieure à celle du son. : Le Concorde était un supersonique. ANTONYME subsonique .

superstitieusement

superstitieusement adv. adverbe D ’une manière superstitieuse. : Refuser superstitieusement d ’habiter au 13 e étage. Note Orthographique super st i t ieusement.

superstitieux

superstitieux , ieuse adj. adjectif Qui croit à certains présages favorables ou défavorables. : Les personnes superstitieuses ne passent jamais sous une échelle. Note Orthographique super st i t ieux.

superstition

superstition n. f. nom féminin Croyances et pratiques superstitieuses. Note Orthographique super st i t ion.

superstructure

superstructure n. f. nom féminin Partie de la construction qui excède un niveau déterminé. : La superstructure d ’un pont. Note Orthographique superstructure, en un seul mot.

superviser

superviser v. tr. verbe transitif Contrôler, surveiller l ’ensemble d ’un travail. : Il supervise la production de ces articles. aimer

superviseur

superviseur superviseure n. m. et f. nom masculin et féminin Personne chargée de contrôler un travail, des activités. Note Technique Le superviseur est généralement un cadre inférieur qui relève d ’un chef de service.

supervision

supervision n. f. nom féminin Action de superviser. : Elle assure une supervision efficace. SYNONYME surveillance .

Spanish Dictionary

supeditación

supeditación nombre femenino 1 Acción de supeditar :le hacían responsable de muchos males y especialmente de la decadencia del arte tipográfico, así como de la supeditación de la producción a las conveniencias del mercado .2 Efecto de supeditar :una situación obliga al sujeto en ella situado para hacer lo que se le requiere, pero posibilita al sujeto la adquisición de la conciencia de esa supeditación al medio .

supeditar

supeditar verbo transitivo 1 Hacer que una cosa dependa de otra o del cumplimiento de una condición :supeditó la compra de la computadora a las ganancias del trimestre; todas las mejoras previstas quedan supeditadas a que consigamos el mejor precio .2 supeditarse verbo pronominal Someterse o ajustarse [una persona ] a la voluntad de otra o a algún tipo de normas :no estaban dispuestos a supeditarse a los caprichos de la nueva directora .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín suppeditare ‘enviar tropas de refuerzo ’, derivado de pedites ‘infantería ’. De la familia etimológica de pie (V.).

súper

súper adjetivo 1 coloquial Que sobresale entre otros de su misma clase por ser muy bueno, estupendo o magnífico :una fiesta súper; unos profesores súper .2 adjetivo /nombre femenino [gasolina ] Que es de 98 octanos :el litro de gasolina súper subió anoche tres pesos .3 nombre masculino Supermercado .4 adverbio coloquial Muy bien, de forma estupenda o magnífica :lo pasamos súper en la fiesta . VÉASE canasta de súper . El plural es súper .

super-

super- 1 Prefijo de origen latino que entra en la formación de nombres, adjetivos y verbos con el significado de: (i )Sobre, encima de :superponer .(ii )Preeminencia :superintendente, supervisor, superhombre .(iii )En exceso, en grado sumo :superpoblar, superproducción, superdotado .2 coloquial Prefijo que intensifica superlativamente adjetivos, adverbios y nombres :superguapo, supermal, supercaro, superhombre .

superable

superable adjetivo Que se puede superar :el desencanto podrá ser superable; la unidad del idioma se cierra por aquella línea o frontera no superable que supone el tránsito desde un idioma a otro .

superabundancia

superabundancia nombre femenino Abundancia excesiva .SINÓNIMO sobreabundancia .

superabundante

superabundante adjetivo Que existe o se da en exceso .SINÓNIMO sobreabundante .

superabundar

superabundar verbo intransitivo Abundar [algo ] en exceso .SINÓNIMO sobreabundar .

superación

superación nombre femenino Acción de superar o superarse :intento de superación; la superación del subdesarrollo y la pobreza debería ser el objetivo de todas las fuerzas políticas .

superalimentar

superalimentar verbo transitivo Hacer que una persona o un animal se nutra más de lo normal .SINÓNIMO sobrealimentar .

superar

superar verbo transitivo 1 Tener [una persona o una cosa ] cierta cualidad en mayor grado que otra persona o cosa con la que se mide o compara, o realizar cierta actividad mejor que esta :los pívots superan en altura al resto del equipo; la hermana mayor supera en inteligencia a la menor; en matemáticas siempre me ha superado, es mejor que yo .2 Sobrepasar [una cosa ] cierto límite, cantidad o valor que se considera un valor normal o necesario :la carta supera los 45 g y debe llevar más estampillas; el corredor superó por tercera vez su propio récord; el texto superaba las 40 líneas .SINÓNIMO exceder .3 Pasar con habilidad y éxito un obstáculo o dificultad, o una situación difícil o peligrosa, sin dejarse detener o sin desanimarse :superar la primera fase de un concurso; enhorabuena, has superado las pruebas de acceso .4 superarse verbo pronominal Hacer una cosa mejor que en ocasiones anteriores :tenemos que mejorar nuestra posición en el mercado, así que deberíamos superarnos y perfeccionar el producto .

superávit

superávit nombre masculino 1 Cantidad en que los ingresos superan a los gastos :el club obtuvo un superávit de 70 millones la pasada temporada .ANTÓNIMO déficit .2 Situación de la economía en que los ingresos son mayores que los gastos :el superávit en la balanza de pagos provocó una política expansionista .ANTÓNIMO déficit .3 Abundancia o exceso de una cosa que se considera necesaria :ese año hubo superávit de aceite .El plural es superávits .

superbombardero, -ra

superbombardero, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino [avión militar de bombardeo ] Que tiene gran capacidad de carga y un extenso campo de acción .

supercarburante

supercarburante nombre masculino Gasolina comercial de elevada resistencia a la detonación de un carburante, con un índice de octano próximo o superior a 100 .

superchería

superchería nombre femenino Engaño o fraude consistente en sustituir una cosa verdadera por una falsa :ello supone maniobra, negociación y demás supercherías con que el político, con pretexto de salvar a su país, contenta a los unos y a los otros .

superciliar

superciliar adjetivo anat De la parte de la cara situada encima de las cejas o relacionado con ella :músculo superciliar; el carricero tordal es un pájaro dotado de un pico fuerte y de una banda superciliar de color claro . VÉASE arco superciliar .

superclase

superclase nombre común 1 Esp coloquial Persona que destaca notoriamente en una actividad :es evidente que este jugador es un superclase y que triunfará en la liga española .2 nombre femenino biol Subcategoría taxonómica de clasificación de los seres vivos que tiene un rango inferior al del subtipo :los vertebrados se dividen en dos superclases: agnatos y gnatóstomos .

superconductividad

superconductividad nombre femenino fís Desaparición brusca y total de la resistencia eléctrica de algunos metales, cuando su temperatura desciende por debajo de cierto límite .

superconductor, -ra

superconductor, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino fís [metal ] Que presenta el fenómeno de la superconductividad :imán superconductor .

supercúmulo

supercúmulo nombre masculino astr Concentración de cúmulos de galaxias en una región determinada del universo .

superdominante

superdominante nombre femenino mús Sexta nota de la escala diatónica .

superdotado, -da

superdotado, -da adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino [persona ] Que tiene cualidades intelectuales muy superiores a lo normal :se puede hablar de un niño superdotado si da en los test que posee un coeficiente intelectual de más de 130 .

superego

superego nombre masculino Según la teoría psicoanalítica freudiana, instancia que observa críticamente al yo; especie de conciencia moral integrada por el yo ideal (lo que la persona quiere ser ) y el ideal del yo (censura e imperativo moral que juzga y determina los propios pensamientos y acciones ).SINÓNIMO superyó .

superestrato

superestrato nombre masculino ling Fenómeno que consiste en la influencia o el dominio ejercido en una lengua por otra que se ha introducido temporalmente en su dominio lingüístico :la influencia de la lengua germánica de los visigodos o del árabe fueron fenómenos de superestrato en aquellos territorios en que convivieron con el romance que se estaba formando .

superestructura

superestructura nombre femenino 1 Parte de una construcción que está por encima del suelo .2 Conjunto de fenómenos jurídico -políticos e ideológicos, así como las instituciones que los representan, que están asentados sobre la estructura económica :para el marxismo, las ideologías, las religiones, las manifestaciones artísticas, etc. , son hechos sociales que se inscriben en el contexto de la superestructura de una sociedad; Gramsci y Althusser, entre otros pensadores marxistas, reelaboraron el concepto de superestructura .

superferolítico, -ca

superferolítico, -ca adjetivo 1 Esp col. irón. Que es exageradamente cuidado o fino :lenguaje superferolítico .2 Esp col. irón. [persona ] Que se muestra fino y delicado de una manera afectada .

superficial

superficial adjetivo 1 De la superficie o relacionado con ella :extensión superficial; estructura superficial .2 Que solamente afecta a la superficie de una cosa :herida superficial; erosión superficial; agitación superficial de los mares .3 Que es poco profundo o no penetra suficientemente en lo fundamental o importante :una conversación superficial; una comedia superficial; el debate tiene dos aspectos, uno superficial y otro folclórico .4 [persona ] Que no profundiza en la esencia de las cosas, o solo atiende a su apariencia o aspecto :tenía un novio muy superficial, capaz de valorar a alguien únicamente por su forma de ir vestido . VÉASE tensión superficial .

superficialidad

superficialidad nombre femenino Cualidad de superficial, especialmente de la persona o cosa poco profundas :la superficialidad con que se trató la noticia es ofensiva .

superficie

superficie nombre femenino 1 Parte más externa de un cuerpo que lo limita o separa de lo que lo rodea :la superficie de los mares; la superficie de la Tierra; fueron degradando la superficie de la roca para permitir que otras plantas echaran raíces; gran cantidad de artrópodos se desarrollan en el suelo, semienterrados entre la hojarasca o incluso bajo la superficie .2 Aspecto exterior de una situación, que se percibe a primera vista, sin profundizar en su conocimiento .3 Extensión de una figura geométrica de la que solo se consideran dos dimensiones: la anchura y la altura :la superficie de un rectángulo se calcula multiplicando la base por la altura .4 Extensión de algo, especialmente de un terreno :los cultivos intensivos ocupan pequeñas superficies; la superficie cultivada ocupa más de la mitad del suelo y está dedicada en su mayor parte al cultivo del cereal; ocupa una superficie de 15 613 km 2 .5 Medida de esta extensión .gran superficie Esp Establecimiento comercial de grandes dimensiones en el que generalmente se venden gran variedad de productos y que suele instalarse a las afueras de las poblaciones .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín superficies , derivado de facies ‘cara, rostro ’, que designaba la parte exterior de un objeto. De la familia etimológica de faz (V.).

superfino, -na

superfino, -na adjetivo Que es muy fino, especialmente un producto comercial :chocolate superfino; pantalla de resolución superfina .

superfluidad

superfluidad nombre femenino 1 Cualidad de superfluo :la superfluidad de una acción .2 Cosa superflua :dejemos las superfluidades para cuando no tengamos tanta prisa .

superfluo, -flua

superfluo, -flua adjetivo Que no cumple ni desempeña una función :vello superfluo; comentarios superfluos; la pregunta es superflua, porque en todo caso hay que preguntar sobre lo que hay, no sobre lo que ahora imaginamos que pudiera haber; los nuevos desarrollos de la tecnología de la comunicación pueden hacer superfluas algunas de estas previsiones .

superfosfato

superfosfato nombre masculino Fosfato ácido de cal que se emplea como abono .

supergallo

supergallo VÉASE peso supergallo .

supergigante

supergigante nombre masculino Prueba de esquí alpino que tiene características del eslalon gigante y del descenso libre .

superhombre

superhombre nombre masculino 1 Hombre que tiene unas cualidades físicas o mentales extraordinarias o superiores a los demás :Supermán, el Hombre Araña y otros personajes de cómic son superhombres .SINÓNIMO supermán .2 filos Ser superior al hombre actual y a cuyo tipo ideal debe tender a parecerse toda la humanidad :la naturaleza humana avanza hacia “el reino de la naturaleza transfigurada ”, y el hombre hacia el superhombre, vaticinó Nietzsche .

superíndice

superíndice nombre masculino Letra o número de pequeño tamaño que se coloca en el lado derecho y en la parte de arriba de un signo gráfico para indicar algo :el cuadrado de un número se indica con un superíndice 2 .

superintendencia

superintendencia nombre femenino 1 Máxima dirección en un organismo .2 Cargo y jurisdicción del superintendente .3 Oficina o despacho del superintendente .

superintendente

superintendente nombre común Persona que tiene la dirección suprema o es la máxima responsable de una cosa .

superior

superior adjetivo 1 Que está situado encima de otra cosa o más alto que ella :las extremidades superiores; los incisivos superiores; el tejado de mi casa es superior al de la tuya; los pisos superiores de un edificio .ANTÓNIMO inferior .2 [lugar, país ] Que está situado en la zona más elevada o en la cuenca alta de un río :el Egipto superior .ANTÓNIMO inferior .3 [período ] Que está en la última parte de las partes en que está dividido :el Paleolítico superior .ANTÓNIMO inferior .4 Que es más que otra persona o cosa en calidad, cantidad, rango, importancia, etc :una temperatura superior a la habitual; los índices de natalidad eran superiores al 30 por mil .ANTÓNIMO inferior .5 Que es excelente, muy bueno :paño de calidad superior .ANTÓNIMO inferior .6 Que ocupa el lugar más alto en una jerarquía política, administrativa o social :el Tribunal Superior de Justicia; el jefe superior de policía; la Jefatura Superior de Policía .7 [enseñanza ] Que proporciona los estudios especializados de una profesión o carrera .8 De la enseñanza superior o relacionado con ella :la Escuela Superior de Ingenieros Industriales; titulados superiores .9 biol [ser vivo ] Que tiene una organización más compleja y que se supone más evolucionado que otros :los vertebrados son animales superiores .ANTÓNIMO inferior .10 nombre común Persona que tiene a otra bajo sus órdenes :al cumplir 55 años, se jubiló a propuesta de sus superiores .ANTÓNIMO inferior .11 nombre masculino y femenino Persona que dirige una congregación o comunidad religiosa :la superiora del convento de las mercedarias .El femenino es superiora . VÉASE enseñanza superior; planeta superior . ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín superior , superioris ‘más alto ’, comparativo de superus ‘elevado ’.

superiora

superiora superior .

superioridad

superioridad nombre femenino 1 Cualidad o situación de una cosa o persona que es superior a otra en calidad, cantidad, rango, importancia, etc. :mostró su superioridad en las pruebas atléticas eliminatorias; no pudieron hacer nada ante la superioridad del equipo local .ANTÓNIMO inferioridad .2 Persona o conjunto de personas que tienen autoridad gubernamental :elevar una instancia a la superioridad . VÉASE abuso de superioridad .

superiormente

superiormente adverbio 1 De un modo superior .2 Por la parte superior :los estratos están limitados superiormente por una capa cálida y se extienden como un manto uniforme, en capas .

superlativo, -va

superlativo, -va adjetivo 1 formal Que es muy grande o muy bueno o que tiene alguna cualidad en su más alto grado :tiene una inteligencia superlativa .SINÓNIMO excelente .2 adjetivo /nombre masculino [adjetivo ] Que indica el grado más alto o la mayor intensidad de la cualidad que expresa :el superlativo de ‘célebre ’ es ‘celebérrimo ’ y el de ‘grande ’, ‘grandísimo ’.superlativo absoluto ling Superlativo que se aplica a un sustantivo sin establecer comparaciones con otro u otros :las expresiones ‘el más alto ’ o ‘altísimo ’ son superlativos absolutos .superlativo relativo ling Superlativo que se aplica a un sustantivo estableciendo una comparación con otro u otros :‘el más alto de la clase ’ es un superlativo relativo .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín superlativus, derivado de superlatum, supino de superferre ‘levantar por encima, hacer rebasar ’ y este de ferre ‘llevar ’. De la familia etimológica de preferir (V.).

superligero, -ra

superligero, -ra VÉASE peso superligero .

supermán

supermán nombre masculino coloquial Hombre que tiene unas cualidades físicas o mentales estraordinarias o superiores a los demás .SINÓNIMO superhombre .

supermercado

supermercado nombre masculino Establecimiento donde se venden alimentos y otros productos que se sirve el mismo cliente abonando el importe a la salida .También súper .

superministro, -tra

superministro, -tra nombre masculino y femenino coloquial Ministro que tiene unas competencias más amplias o superiores a las de los demás .Tiene doble forma de femenino: la superministro y la superministra .

supernova

supernova nombre femenino Estrella en explosión que libera una gran cantidad de energía; se manifiesta por un aumento notable de la intensidad del brillo o por su aparición en un punto del espacio vacío aparentemente :las supernovas son fases terminales de la vida de una estrella; cuando una estrella estalla, se convierte en supernova .

súpero, -ra

súpero, -ra adjetivo bot [ovario ] Que se desarrolla por encima de los verticilos :los ovarios de la tomatera son súperos .

superorden

superorden nombre masculino biol Subcategoría taxonómica de clasificación de los seres vivos que tiene un rango inferior al de la infraclase :la raya, el torpedo y otros peces pertenecen al superorden de los batoideos .

superpesado

superpesado VÉASE peso superpesado .

superpetrolero, -ra

superpetrolero, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino [buque petrolero ] Que tiene una capacidad de carga mucho mayor que un petrolero normal .

superpluma

superpluma VÉASE peso superpluma .

superpoblación

superpoblación nombre femenino Exceso de población en un lugar determinado :Japón registra una de las mayores densidades de población del mundo, con más de 320 hab /km 2, lo que provoca un problema de superpoblación .

superpoblado, -da

superpoblado, -da adjetivo [lugar ] Que está poblado u ocupado por un número excesivo de habitantes :se disputaban unos terrenos edificables en una de las zonas más pobres y superpobladas de todo el continente; ambos son países superpoblados, cuyos recursos no les permiten mantener su respectiva población .

superpoblar

superpoblar verbo transitivo Poblar en exceso un lugar . Conjugación [31 ] como contar .

superponer

superponer verbo transitivo Poner una cosa encima de otra :superponiendo dos triángulos equiláteros se obtiene una estrella de seis puntas ;las voces del coro se superponen formando un conjunto armonioso .SINÓNIMO sobreponer . Conjugación [78 ] como poner .

superponible

superponible adjetivo Que puede superponerse :donde hay un electrón no puede haber otro, no son superponibles y no sufren interferencias, lo que descarta su carácter ondulatorio .

superposición

superposición nombre femenino 1 Acción de superponer :la superposición de tres elementos: el taquillón, el bargueño y la alacena de recuerdo mudéjar producen un tipo de armario alto y estrecho .2 Efecto de superponer :la superposición de dos o más ondas en un punto recibe el nombre de interferencia .

superpotencia

superpotencia nombre femenino País que tiene un gran poder político y económico sobre otros y los mayores adelantos científicos y técnicos, especialmente en la industria de armas atómicas :todo indica que la recesión se cierne cada vez con mayor intensidad sobre la economía de la superpotencia; el mensaje insta a los dirigentes de las dos superpotencias a recordar su deber humanitario de evitar una guerra .

superproducción

superproducción nombre femenino 1 Exceso de producción o producción de una cosa por encima de las necesidades de compra del mercado :las crisis sobrevenidas hasta ahora dentro del sistema han sido crisis de superproducción .SINÓNIMO sobreproducción .2 Obra de cine o teatro hecha con grandes medios económicos y, generalmente, los más innovadores avances tecnológicos :en esta crisis, la compañía decidió tomar las riendas del proyecto y sustituir la pobreza narrativa con elementos típicos de la más ambiciosa superproducción: reparto espectacular, decorados suntuosos, en los que no se repara en gastos y localización exótica, cuanto más lejana, mejor .

superpuesto, -ta

superpuesto, -ta participio Participio irregular de superponer . También se usa como adjetivo :hasta que no se han superpuesto muchos millones de capas, el cristal no comienza a ser visible para nosotros; fenómeno superpuesto .

superrealismo

superrealismo surrealismo .

superrealista

superrealista surrealista .

supersónico, -ca

supersónico, -ca adjetivo 1 [velocidad ] Que es superior a la velocidad del sonido .2 [avión, motor ] Que puede superar la velocidad del sonido .

superstición

superstición nombre femenino Creencia que no tiene fundamento racional y que consiste en atribuir carácter mágico o sobrenatural a determinados sucesos o en pensar que determinados hechos proporcionan buena o mala suerte :es una superstición creer que pasar por debajo de una escalera trae mala suerte .ETIMOLOGÍA Préstamo (s. xv ) del latín superstitio, superstitionis ‘escrúpulo religioso ’, derivado de superstare ‘estar sobre ’. De la raíz indoeuropea de estar (V.).

supersticioso, -sa

supersticioso, -sa adjetivo 1 De la superstición o relacionado con ella :creencias supersticiosas .2 adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino [persona ] Que cree en supersticiones :era supersticiosa por tradición familiar; como el trece da mala suerte a los supersticiosos, lo mejor será que envíe usted quince rosas .

supérstite

supérstite adjetivo der Superviviente :los derechos sucesorios del cónyuge supérstite .

supervaloración

supervaloración nombre femenino 1 Acción de supervalorar :hablaron de los peligros de una supervaloración de la técnica .2 Efecto de supervalorar .SINÓNIMO sobrevaloración .

supervalorar

supervalorar verbo transitivo Dar a una persona o una cosa mayor valor del que verdaderamente tiene o le corresponde :si es hombre de partido, tenderá a supervalorar a su propio partido; en aquella exposición se supervaloraba la primera época de la obra del pintor .SINÓNIMO sobrevalorar .

superveniencia

superveniencia nombre femenino der Acción de sobrevenir :estas donaciones serán revocables por las causas comunes, excepto la supervivencia o superveniencia de hijos .

superventas

superventas adjetivo /nombre masculino [producto comercial ] Que tiene un gran éxito de ventas :los nuevos grupos son los reyes de los superventas .SINÓNIMO best seller .El plural es superventas .

supervisar

supervisar verbo transitivo Vigilar o dirigir la realización de una actividad determinada [una persona que tiene la autoridad o capacidad para ello ]:el intérprete británico gusta de supervisar en persona todos los detalles de su propio espectáculo; la ONU se encargará de supervisar el alto el fuego definitivo; como capataz, tiene que supervisar el trabajo de sus compañeros .

supervisión

supervisión nombre femenino Vigilancia o dirección de la realización de una actividad determinada por parte de una persona con autoridad o capacidad para ello :todos los trabajos han sido realizados bajo la supervisión del director; la compañía se responsabilizará de la supervisión del montaje y la puesta en marcha de la instalación .

supervisor, -ra

supervisor, -ra adjetivo /nombre masculino y femenino [persona ] Que se encarga de supervisar un trabajo o una actividad realizados por otra persona :el supervisor pedagógico llegó al pueblo para seguir de cerca el trabajo de los profesores .

supervivencia

supervivencia nombre femenino 1 Conservación de la vida, especialmente cuando es a pesar de una situación difícil o tras de un hecho o un momento de peligro :la lucha por la supervivencia; técnicas de supervivencia .2 Vigencia de una cosa, en especial de algo que pertenece a otro tiempo o es propio de otra época :la supervivencia de la cultura indígena está en peligro; los horóscopos y la división del tiempo en horas, minutos y segundos son supervivencias claras de la cultura mesopotámica .3 Acción de salir adelante con los medios mínimos necesarios para vivir :hicieron prácticas de supervivencia en montaña y en llano .

superviviente

superviviente adjetivo 1 Que sobrevive :la última ideología política superviviente .SINÓNIMO sobreviviente .2 adjetivo /nombre común [persona ] Que sobrevive a una situación de peligro :no ha habido ningún superviviente del accidente aéreo .SINÓNIMO sobreviviente .

supervivir

supervivir verbo intransitivo Seguir vivo después de la muerte de una persona o después de un hecho o de un momento determinados, especialmente si son peligrosos :tras el cambio climático supervivieron ciertas plantas frágiles .SINÓNIMO sobrevivir .

superwélter

superwélter VÉASE peso superwélter . Se pronuncia aproximadamente ‘super-uélter ’.

superyó

superyó (también super-yo )nombre masculino Según la teoría psicoanalítica freudiana, instancia que observa críticamente al yo; especie de conciencia moral integrada por el yo ideal (lo que la persona quiere ser ) y el ideal del yo (censura e imperativo moral que juzga y determina los propios pensamientos y acciones ):según Freud, el vínculo del superyó con el yo no se agota en la advertencia “así debe ser ”, sino que comprende la prohibición “así no te es lícito ser ”.SINÓNIMO superego .

Sanseido Wisdom Dictionary

supe

supe /suːp , ｟英｠sjuːp /名詞｟話｠＝supervisor ; superintendent .

super

su per /súːpə r , ｟英｠sjúː -/形容詞比較なし｟くだけてやや古｠すばらしい , 最高の (great ); 特大の ▸ a super scientist 偉大な科学者名詞 C 1 ｟くだけて｠監督者 , 管理人 (superintendent ).2 ｟くだけて｠(映画の )端役, エキストラ ; 余剰人員 (supernumerary ).3 ｟英くだけて｠警視 , ｟米くだけて｠警察署長 (superintendent ).4 〘商〙特級 [特大 ]品 .5 〘印〙(本の補強用 )寒冷紗（しや）.6 ｟米｠＝supermarket .副詞｟米話｠非常に , きわめて ▸ He was super excited .彼はとても興奮していた .動詞他動詞〘印〙〈本の背表紙〉を寒冷紗（しや）で補強する .S -̀ B ó wl 〖the ～〗スーパーボウル〘全米プロフットボールの王座決定戦〙.S -̀ T ú esday スーパーチューズデー〘米国大統領選の年に多くの州で予備選が行われる日〙.

super-

su per- /súːpə r , ｟英｠sjúː -/接頭辞より多い, 広い, 大きい, 力強い, 高い, 上位の ▸ super super computer スーパースーパーコンピュータ〘supercomputerが更に高機能化したもの〙▸ super intendent 監督者

superabundance

s ù per ab ú ndance 名詞 U 〖通例a ～ of A 〗過多 [過剰 ]のA, あり余るほどのA .

superabundant

s ù per ab ú ndant 形容詞過剰な, あり余るほどの .

superannuate

su per an nu ate /sùːp (ə )rǽnjuèɪt , ｟英｠sjùː -/動詞他動詞〈人〉を老齢ゆえに (恩給を与え )退職させる ; …を時代遅れとして捨てる .

superannuated

su per an nu at ed /-ɪd /形容詞 1 ｟かたく｠古くなって用をなさない .2 (老齢や病気などで )年金付きで退職した .

superannuation

su per an nu a tion /sùːp (ə )ræ̀njuéɪʃ (ə )n , ｟英｠sjùː -/名詞 U ｟英｠老齢 [厚生 ]年金の給付金 [掛け金 ].～́ sch è me ｟英｠年金制度 .

superb

su perb /supə́ː r b ; ｟英｠sju-, sə -/〖語源は「高慢な」〗形容詞 more ～; most ～/～er ; ～est 1 見事な , すばらしい (→splendid 類義 ); 上質の (excellent )▸ a superb performance 見事な演奏 2 〈食事などが〉豪華な .3 〈建築物などが〉壮麗な , 堂々とした ; 〈景色などが〉雄大な ▸ a superb building 壮麗な建物

superbly

su p é rb ly 副詞すばらしく, 見事に .

supercharge

s ú per ch à rge 動詞他動詞 1 〈エンジンなど〉に過給する ; 与圧する .2 〈感情など〉を過度に込める [みなぎらせる ].

supercharged

s ú per ch à rged 形容詞〈エンジンが〉過給機を備えた .

supercharger

s ú per ch à rger 名詞 C 〘機〙(エンジンの )過給機 .

supercilious

su per cil i ous /sùːpə r sɪ́liəs , ｟英｠sjùː -/形容詞｟非難して｠〈人態度などが〉人を見下すような, 偉そうな, 横柄な (haughty ).～ly 副詞～ness 名詞

supercomputer

s ú per comp ù ter 名詞 C スーパーコンピュータ, スパコン〘処理能力のきわめて大きな超高速の電子計算機〙.

superconductive

s ù per cond ú ctive 形容詞〘電〙超伝導 (性 )の .

superconductivity

s ù per c ò nduct í vity 名詞 U 〘電〙超伝導 (性 ).

superconductor

s ù per cond ú ctor 名詞 C 〘電〙超伝導体 [物質 ]▸ a room-temperature superconductor 常温超伝導体

supercool

s ù per c ó ol 動詞他動詞 …を凍結させずに氷点下に冷却する .

superego

s ù per é go 名詞複～s C 〘心〙超自我〘フロイト心理学の用語〙; 良心 (conscience ).

superficial

su per fi cial /sùːpə r fɪ́ʃ (ə )l , ｟英｠sjùː -/形容詞 more ～; most ～/6 , 7 は比較なし 1 表面的な , 表面の ▸ superficial similarities 表面的な類似 2 皮相的な , 思慮の浅い ▸ the superficial knowledge of the subject その話題に関する浅薄な知識 3 〈傷などが〉外面の , 浅い (slight )▸ She has a superficial scratch on her cheek .彼女のほほにはうっすらとした傷がある 4 浅はかな, 〈人が〉うすっぺらな ▸ a superficial person 浅はかな人間 5 取るに足りない , 重要でない ▸ superficial changes in policies 実質的でない政策上の変化 6 〈土壌などが〉表層の ▸ superficial soil 表土 7 平方の .～ly 副詞表面的に .～ness 名詞

superficiality

su per fi ci al i ty /sùːpə r fɪ̀ʃiǽləti , ｟英｠sjùː -/名詞 U 1 ｟非難して｠考え [理解 ]が浅いこと, 浅薄, 皮相 .2 〈行動感情関係などが〉表面的であること .

superfine

s ú per f ì ne 形容詞 1 極上の .2 細か過ぎる .3 微細な .

superfluity

su per flu i ty /sùːpə r flúːəti , ｟英｠sjùː -/名詞複 -ties C ｟かたく｠1 〖通例a ～ of A 〗必要以上 [過剰 ]のA ▸ a superfluity of population 過剰な人口 2 〖通例 -ties 〗過剰なもの, 不必要なもの .

superfluous

su per flu ous /suːpə́ː r fluəs , ｟英｠sjuː / (! 強勢は第2音節 ) 形容詞 more ～; most ～｟かたく｠余分な , 余計な ; 不必要な , むだな ▸ remove superfluous words 余計な言葉を削除する～ly 副詞余分に ; 不必要に .～ness 名詞

superfund

s ú per f ù nd 名詞 C 〖単数形で〗大型基金, スーパーファンド〘膨大な費用のかかる事業のための大型基金〙.

superglue

s ú per gl ù e 名詞 U 強力瞬間接着剤 .

supergrass

s ú per gr à ss 名詞 C ｟英くだけて｠密告者, たれ込み屋 (!特に自分の罪を軽くするため仲間の情報を流す者 ) .

superhero

s ú per h è ro 名詞複～es C (フィクションの中の )超人的な (能 )力を持つ登場人物〘悪と戦い人々を救う〙.

superhighway

s ù per h í ghway 名詞複～s C 1 ｟米｠高速道路 (!expressway, freeway, speedway, throughwayなどともいう ) .2 ＝information superhighway .

superhuman

s ù per h ú man 形容詞 1 超人的な, 人間離れした ▸ superhuman effort (s ) [power (s )]超人的な努力 [力 ]2 超自然の (supernatural ).～ly 副詞～ness 名詞

superimpose

s ù per imp ó se 動詞他動詞〖通例be ～d 〗1 〈映像画像写真などが〉 «…の上に » 重ねられる «on , onto , over » ▸ The words were superimposed on the bottom half of the screen .その言葉はスクリーンの下半分に重ね焼きされていた 2 〈制度考え意見などが〉 «…に » 押しつけられる «on , onto » .s ù per im po s í tion 名詞 U 〘写〙二重焼き .

superintend

su per in tend /sùːp (ə )rɪnténd , ｟英｠sjùː -/動詞他動詞｟かたく｠…を (責任を持って )管理 [監督 ]する .

superintendence

s ù per in t é n dence s ù per in t é n den cy /-əns //-ənsi /名詞 U ｟かたく｠管理, 監督 .

superintendent

su per in tend ent /sùːp (ə )rɪnténdənt , ｟英｠sjùː -/名詞複～s /-ts /C 1 ｟英｠警視〘警視正と警部の中間〙; ｟米｠警察署長 .2 局長 , 部長 ; 校長 ; ｟米｠(特定地域の )教育長 (superintendent of schools ).3 監督者 , 管理者 (｟略｠supt. )▸ a mine superintendent 鉱山監督者 4 ｟米｠(アパート建物などの )管理人 (｟英｠caretaker ).形容詞監督 [管理 ]する .

Superior

Su pe ri or /supɪ́ ə riə r , ｟米｠sə -, ｟英｠sju- /名詞スペリオル湖〘Lake ～; 北米五大湖 (the Great Lakes )の最北西に位置する; 淡水湖では世界最大〙.

superior

su pe ri or /supɪ́ ə riə r , ｟米｠sə -, ｟英｠sju- / (! 強勢は第2音節 ) 〖語源は「…より上にある」; superの比較級〗(名 )superiority 形容詞比較なし /｟まれ｠more ～; most ～ (!語源的に比較級なのでさらに比較級にするのは不自然であるとして, 避ける人が多い ) 1 «…より » 優れている , まさっている «to » (↔inferior )▸ This product is far [vastly, much ] superior to [╳than ] that one in quality .この製品は質の点であの製品よりずっと優れている ▸ superior technology [intelligence ]優れた技術 [知能 ]2 ｟かたく｠〖通例名詞の前で〗(同種の中で )上質 [上等 ]の , 高級な ▸ a superior whisky 上質なウイスキー 3 «…より » (階級などが )高い , 上位の , 上級の «to » ▸ one's superior officer 上官 ▸ a superior court 上級裁判所 4 〈態度などが〉人を見下した , 高慢な ▸ give a superior smile 相手を見下して笑う ▸ with a superior air 高慢な態度で 5 «…より » (数量的に )多い , 優勢な «to » ▸ The soldiers were surrounded by superior numbers .兵士たちは彼らを上回る数の人々に包囲された 6 〖名詞の前で〗上部 [上方 ]にある ; 〘植〙上生の , 上位の (upper )▸ a superior ovary (がくの上にある )上位子房 7 〖be ～〗〈人が〉【苦痛誘惑などに】左右されない , 屈しない «to » .8 〈術語観念などが〉 «…より » 包括的な , 上位概念の «to » .9 〘印〙上（うわ）付きの , 肩文字の ▸ a superior letter 上付き文字〘x n のnなど〙(↔inferior )名詞 C 1 〖通例one 's ～〗目上の人 ; 上司 , 上官 (↔subordinate )▸ one's immediate superior 直属の上司 2 ｟かたい書｠ «…の点で » より優れた人 «in » ▸ He is my superior in every way .彼はあらゆる点で私より上だ 3 〖通例S -〗修道院長 ▸ Father [Mother ] Superior 男子 [女子 ]修道院長 4 〘印〙上付き [肩 ]文字 [数字 ].

superiority

su pe ri or i ty /sʊpɪ̀ ə riɔ́ːrəti, sə -|-ɔ́r -, sju- /→superior 名詞 U 1 «…に対する /…における » 優越, 優勢, 優位 «over , to /in » (↔inferiority )▸ a sense of superiority over other people 他の人に対する優越感 2 ｟非難して｠ «…に対する » 高慢な態度 «over » .～́ c ò mplex (劣等感を隠すための )優越感, 優越複合 (↔inferiority complex ).

superlative

su per la tive /sʊpə́ː r lətɪv , ｟米｠sə -, ｟英｠sju- /形容詞 1 きわめてすばらしい, 最高の ▸ a superlative athlete [reputation ]最高の運動選手 [評判 ]2 〘文法〙最上級の (→positive , comparative ).名詞 1 〖the ～〗(形容詞副詞の )最上級 .2 C 〖通例～s 〗(ほめ称えるときなどに使う )最上級の [大げさな ]言葉 ▸ a string of superlatives 一連のほめちぎるような言葉 ▸ speak in superlatives 大げさに話す 3 C 最高 [最上 ]の物 .4 U 最高, 最上, 絶頂 .～ness 名詞

superlatively

su p é r la tive ly 副詞 1 きわめて, 非常に (extremely )▸ superlatively happy [well ]きわめて幸せな [上手な ]2 最高に, すばらしく .

superman

s ú per m à n 名詞複 -men C 1 超人, スーパーマン (｟男女共用｠superhuman being ) 〘けたはずれの肉体的 [精神的, 霊的 ]な力のある人〙.2 〖S- 〗スーパーマン〘米国の漫画ドラマの主人公〙.3 〘哲〙(ニーチェ哲学の )超人, 理想的人間 (｟男女共用｠ideal person ).

supermarket

su per mar ket /súːpə r mɑ̀ː r kət , ｟英｠sjúː -/〖最初のスーパーは米国テネシー州のPiggly Wiggly (1916年 )〗名詞複～s /-ts /C スーパー , スーパーマーケット (｟米｠super )▸ We get nearly all our food at the supermarket .うちでは食料品はほとんどスーパーで買う ▸ bump into John in a supermarket スーパーでジョンにばったり会う (!前置詞 inは内的空間を意識する ) ～́ c à rt ｟米｠ [tr ò lley ｟英｠](スーパーで使う )カート .～́ t à bloid (スーパーで売られる )タブロイド (週刊 )誌 .

supermodel

s ú per m ò del 名詞 C (世界的に有名な )ファッションモデル .

supermom

s ú per m ò m 名詞 C ｟米くだけて｠〖通例単数形で〗スーパーママ〘仕事と家事育児を両立させている母親〙.

supernal

su per nal /sʊpə́ː r n (ə )l /形容詞｟詩｠天上の ; 神の .

supernatural

su per nat u ral /sùːpə r nǽtʃ (ə )r (ə )l /形容詞比較なし 1 超自然の , 不可思議な ; 神秘的な , 神の , 霊的な ; 神業の , すばらしい ; 異常な ▸ supernatural powers 超自然的な力 ▸ a supernatural world 神秘的な世界 2 〖the ～; 名詞的に; 集合的に〗超自然的な現象 [力 , 生物 ] (!単数扱い ) .～ly 副詞超自然 [神秘 ]的に .～ness 名詞

supernova

s ù per n ó va 名詞複～s, -vae /-viː /C 〘天〙超新星 (→nova ).

supernumerary

su per nu mer ar y /sùːpə r núːmərèri |-njúːm (ə )r (ə )ri /名詞複 -ies C 1 余分な人 [もの ].2 〘劇〙端役, エキストラ ; 臨時雇い .形容詞 1 余分な .2 端役の .

superordinate

s ù per ó rdinate 名詞 C 〘言〙上位語 (↔hyponym ).

superpower

s ú per p ò wer 名詞 1 C (経済的軍事的政治的 )超大国 .2 U 非常に大きな力 .

superscript

su per script /súːpə r skrɪ̀pt , ｟英｠sjúː -/形容詞〈数字記号文字などが〉上（うわ）付き [肩付き ]の .名詞 C 上 [肩 ]付き数字 [文字, 記号 ] 〘5 2 の2など; →subscript 〙.

superscription

su per scrip tion /sùːpə r skrɪ́pʃ (ə )n , ｟英｠sjùː -/名詞 C U 上書き, 表書き ; あて名 .

supersede

su per sede /sùːpə r síːd , ｟英｠sjùː -/動詞他動詞 1 〈より新しい効率的なものが〉〈古い効率の悪いもの〉に取って代わる (!しばしば受け身で ) ▸ The movement has to be superseded by a larger political movement .その運動はより大きな政治運動に取って代わられねばならない 2 (組織職務などで )…のあとを継ぐ, 後任 [後継者 ]となる (replace ).

supersession

s ù per s é ssion /-séʃ (ə )n /名詞 U 取って代わること ; 交替 ; 更迭（こうてつ）.

supersize

su per size /súːpə r sàɪz , ｟英｠sjúː -/形容詞｟米｠〖名詞の前で〗特大の, スーパーサイズの〈飲食物など〉.動詞他動詞｟米｠〈飲食物〉を特大 [スーパーサイズ ]にする .

supersonic

super sonic /sùːpə r sɑ́nɪk |-sɔ́n -, sjùː -, -́--̀ -/形容詞 1 超音速の (→sonic )▸ a supersonic plane 超音速旅客機 2 超音波の .名詞 U 超音速 ; 超音波 (supersonic wave ); C 超音速機 (supersonic transport ).s ù per s ó n i cal ly /-k (ə )li /副詞

superstar

s ú per st à r 名詞 C ｟くだけて｠(非常に )有名な映画俳優 [ミュージシャン, スポーツ選手 ], スーパースター .

superstate

s ú per st à te 名詞 C (政治的に緊密に結びついた複数の独立国から成る )国際政治機構 ; 超大国 ; 全体主義国家 .

superstition

su per sti tion /sùːpə r stɪ́ʃ (ə )n , ｟英｠sjùː -/〖super (上に )stition (立ちつくすこと )〗名詞複～s /-z /U 〖具体例では可算〗 «…という /…に関する » 迷信 «that 節 /about » ; (神秘的なものに対する )迷信的恐怖 ; 迷信的行為 [習慣 , 信仰 ]; 偶像崇拝 ▸ medieval superstition 中世の迷信

superstitious

su per sti tious /sùːpə r stɪ́ʃəs , ｟英｠sjùː -, ｟英｠-́--̀ -/形容詞 more ～; most ～1 〖通例be ～〗迷信深い , «…についての » 迷信を信じている «about » .2 〖名詞の前で〗迷信的 , 迷信の .～ly 副詞迷信深く .

superstore

s ú per st ò re 名詞 C (郊外やインターネット上の )超大型スーパーマーケット ; 大規模専門店, 量販店 .

superstructure

s ú per str ù cture 名詞 C 〖通例単数形で〗1 (建物船橋などの )上部構造, 主要部分 (→substructure ) (!土台基礎部分に対して ) .2 ｟かたく｠(政治社会の )上部構造〘政治的諸制度と文化思想イデオロギー〙.

supertanker

s ú per t à nker 名詞 C (石油輸送用の )超大型タンカー .

supertax

s ú per t à x 名詞 U C 1 ｟米｠(累進 )付加税 .2 付加 (所得 )税 .

supervene

su per vene /sùːpə r víːn , ｟英｠sjùː -/動詞自動詞｟かたく｠〈不測の事態などが〉続いて起こる, 突発する .

supervise

su per vise /súːpə r vàɪz , ｟英｠sjúː -/〖super (上から )vise (見る )〗動詞～s /-ɪz /; ～d /-d /; -vising 他動詞〈人作業場所など〉を監督する , 管理 [指揮, 指導 ]する ▸ supervise the control room 制御室を管理する自動詞監督 [管理 ]する .

supervision

su per vi sion /sùːpə r vɪ́ʒ (ə )n , ｟英｠sjùː -/→supervise 名詞 U 監督 (すること ), 管理 , 指揮 ▸ without supervision 監督なしで ▸ under A's s upervision [the supervision of A ]A 〈人〉の監督のもと (に ).

supervisor

su per vi sor /súːpə r vàɪzə r , ｟英｠sjúː -/名詞 C 1 監督者, 管理者, 指導者, 上司 (foreman ).2 ｟米｠(町郡などの )行政官 .3 (大学大学院の )指導教員 .

supervisory

su per vi so ry /sùːpə r váɪz (ə )ri , ｟英｠sjùː -/形容詞監督 [管理, 指導 ](上 )の ; 監督者 (として )の .

superwoman

s ú per w ò man 名詞複 -women C (結婚して子育てもする )キャリアウーマン .