supplement

[ noun suhp-luh-muhnt; verb suhp-luh-ment ]

noun

1. something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.
2. a part added to a book, document, etc., to supply additional or later information, correct errors, or the like.

   Synonyms: epilogue, addendum, postscript

3. a part, usually of special character, issued as an additional feature of a newspaper or other periodical.
4. Geometry. the quantity by which an angle or an arc falls short of 180° or a semicircle.

verb (used with object)

1. to complete, add to, or extend by a supplement.
2. to form a supplement or addition to.
3. to supply (a deficiency).

supplement

noun

1. an addition designed to complete, make up for a deficiency, etc
2. a section appended to a publication to supply further information, correct errors, etc
3. a magazine or section inserted into a newspaper or periodical, such as one with colour photographs issued every week
4. geometry
   1. either of a pair of angles whose sum is 180°
   2. an arc of a circle that when added to another arc forms a semicircle Abbreviationsupsupp

verb

1. tr to provide a supplement to, esp in order to remedy a deficiency

Derived Forms

• ˌsupplemenˈtation, noun
• ˈsuppleˌmenter, noun

Other Words From

• supple·menter noun
• un·supple·mented adjective
• well-supple·mented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplement¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplēmentum “that by which anything is made full,” equivalent to sup- sup- + plē- (stem of plēre “to fill”; full ¹ ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplement¹

C14: from Latin supplēmentum, from supplēre to supply ¹

Synonym Study

See appendix. See complement.

Example Sentences

The flowers and leaves of this herb are used to make medications and the supplement is popularly used for depression.

From The Daily Beast

This dietary supplement originates in China and has been reported to enhance cognitive ability in healthy individuals.

From The Daily Beast

Williams was trying to promote Anatabloc, a dietary supplement developed by his company.

From The Daily Beast

I was grateful I could supplement my voracious reading with other media, as it kept me feeling current.

From The Daily Beast

Annunziato and Akerman are in agreement that CrowdMed is best deployed as a supplement, not a substitute.

From The Daily Beast

He prepared a glossary of provincial and archological words, intended for a supplement to Johnson's Dictionary.

From Project Gutenberg

It came to be used as a supplement to the law to indicate ways of doing things unknown to the law, which ought to be done.

From Project Gutenberg

Our valley does not number among its men many who can supplement their sentimental attentions with gifts of books.

From Project Gutenberg

A few further remarks on this and other important topics will well supplement what we have said.

From Project Gutenberg

He also wrote a supplement of three volumes, entitled "Lee's Lieutenants," which was exceptionally well received.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• additive