supplement

American  

[suhp-luh-muhnt, suhp-luh-ment] / ˈsʌp lə mənt, ˈsʌp ləˌmɛnt /

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:

   postscript, epilogue, addendum

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.

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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 British  

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. Abbreviation: sup.   supp.  an arc of a circle that when added to another arc forms a semicircle

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verb

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

Usage

What does supplement mean? A supplement is an addition to something that completes it or makes up for a shortcoming, as in He takes vitamin supplements to make up for his vitamin C deficiency.A supplement is also an addition to a book that provides important information or corrects errors. In this sense, supplement can be confused with the words appendix and index. An appendix gives additional information, such as charts and graphs, but the book or document would be considered complete without it. An index is an alphabetical list of names or topics with page numbers that helps you find something specific in the book, such as all the references to John Wilkes Booth in a biography of Abraham Lincoln.As a verb, supplement means to add to something, as in Tameka sold paintings to supplement her income.In this sense, supplement can be confused with the word complement. Both words mean to add something, but to complement means to add something to make up for a missing piece or element, while to supplement is to add extra information.Example: The company built a new roller coaster to supplement its original roller coaster, which always has a long line.  

Related Words

See appendix. See complement.

Other Word Forms

• supplementation noun
• supplementer noun
• unsupplemented adjective
• well-supplemented adjective

Etymology

Origin of supplement

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

Example Sentences

Farah Moustafa, MD, an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and a dermatologist with Tufts Medical Center, explains that collagen supplements are not a proven solution for skin aging.

From Science Daily

Historically, food-stamp recipients have only been barred from buying goods such as alcohol, tobacco, supplements, hot foods and live animals.

From The Wall Street Journal

The government says they were taken in by the prospect of bribes that “would meaningfully supplement or exceed” their legitimate earning potential.

From The Wall Street Journal

But for those who can supplement “On the Altar” with their own awareness of sacrifice, whether from Sunday school or Top 40 playlists, their encounter with this formidable book will be richly rewarded.

From The Wall Street Journal

Market research firm Worldpanel by Numerator's survey last year suggested a boost in spending on healthcare, toiletries and supplements among people taking weight-loss injections.

From BBC

Related Words

• augment
• build up
• buttress
• complement
• enhance
• enrich
• fill out
• fortify
• improve
• reinforce
• strengthen
• subsidize