hyper-
a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “over,” usually implying excess or exaggeration (hyperbole); on this model used, especially as opposed to hypo-, in the formation of compound words (hyperthyroid).
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Origin of hyper-
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hyper-
hyper- hypo-Words nearby hyper-
hypatia, hype, hyped up, hyped-up, hyper, hyper-, hyperaccumulator, hyperacidity, hyperactive, hyperactivity, hyperacusis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for hyper-
hyper-
prefix
above, over, or in excesshypercritical
(in medicine) denoting an abnormal excesshyperacidity
indicating that a chemical compound contains a greater than usual amount of an elementhyperoxide
Word Origin for hyper-
from Greek huper over
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for hyper-
hyper-
pref.
Over; above; beyond:hyperflexion.
Excessive; excessively:hyperhydration.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for hyper-
hyper-
A prefix that means excessive or excessively, especially in medical terms like hypertension and hyperthyroidism.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.