superfluity

[ soo-per-floo-i-tee ]

noun

, plural su·per·flu·i·ties.

1. the state of being superfluous.
2. a superabundant or excessive amount.
3. something superfluous, as a luxury.

superfluity

/ ˌsuːpəˈfluːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being superfluous
2. a quantity or thing that is in excess of what is needed
3. a thing that is not needed

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfluity¹

1350–1400; Middle English superfluite < Old French < Latin superfluitās. See superfluous, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfluity¹

C14: from Old French superfluité, via Late Latin from Latin superfluus superfluous

Example Sentences

But the apparent superfluity of some of these details can be unsteadying.

From The Daily Beast

To place wit above sense is to place superfluity above utility.

From Project Gutenberg

The table was pretty good, too, with the exception of a few Dutch dishes, and a superfluity of onions.

From Project Gutenberg

I suppose that really this was all that was demanded of Alf and Frank—a trifling, unexpected superfluity once in a while.

From Project Gutenberg

“Put in as much as you like at first, and afterwards efface the superfluity,” is a bit of advice that comes from Corot himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Did it not describe a superfluity of worship that exceeded what was either enjoined or fitting?

From Project Gutenberg