superscript
Americanadjective
noun
-
a superscript or superior character
-
obsolete a superscription on a document, letter, etc
Etymology
Origin of superscript
1580–90; < Latin superscrīptus (past participle of superscrībere to superscribe ), equivalent to super- super- + scrīptus written; see script
Explanation
A superscript is a number or letter that's written slightly above another character. When you write out the mathematical expression "x squared," you write the 2 as a superscript, smaller than and raised above the x, like so: x2. Superscripts are frequently found in mathematical formulas and as footnotes in academic texts. You'll see a superscript printed smaller and higher than the rest of the text, which makes it stand out—so it's clear what it indicates, as in the case of exponents or footnotes. Superscript comes from the Latin superscriptus, "written above," and the roots super, "above," and scribere, "to write."
Vocabulary lists containing superscript
super-
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
super-
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lloyd's of London broker Superscript is giving clients that dealt with FTX a mandatory questionnaire to outline the percentage of their exposure, said Ben Davis, lead for digital assets at Superscript.
From Reuters • Dec. 19, 2022
Last year, Amazon partnered with Lloyd's broker Superscript to offer insurance to small and medium-sized UK business customers.
From Reuters • Oct. 19, 2022
"It's very unlikely people are getting the same limits - if they are, they are paying an extraordinary amount," David Dickson, head of enterprise at broker Superscript, said.
From Reuters • Nov. 19, 2021
Superscript means raised and next to a letter.
From The Art or Crafte of Rhetoryke by Cox, Leonard, ca. 1495-
Superscript numbers indicate fewer specimens averaged than indicated in left-hand column.
From Noteworthy Records of Bats From Nicaragua, with a Checklist of the Chiropteran Fauna of the Country by Jones, J. Knox
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
