superscription

[ soo-per-skrip-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of superscribing.
2. something that is superscribed.
3. an address on a letter, parcel, or the like.
4. Pharmacology. the sign ℞, meaning “take,” at the beginning of a prescription.

superscription

/ ˌsuːpəˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. the act of superscribing
2. a superscribed title, address, etc
3. the symbol ( ) at the head of a medical prescription, which stands for the Latin word recipe (take)

Word History and Origins

Origin of superscription¹

1350–1400; Middle English superscripcioun < Late Latin superscrīptiōn- (stem of superscrīptiō ) a writing above. See superscript, -ion

Example Sentences

One glance at the superscription was enough for him to see that Ruth's chubby little hand had guided the pen.

From Project Gutenberg

The superscription seemed familiar—he had seen that handwriting before.

From Project Gutenberg

He looked at the superscription, and cut the envelope open neatly with his pocket-knife so as not to break the seal.

From Project Gutenberg

She took the envelope with a great show of indifference and looked attentively at the superscription.

From Project Gutenberg

And the superscription about his little seal is this: "The fortitude of God; the seal of the emperor of all men."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advocacy
• affirmation
• approval
• backing
• commercial
• confirmation
• favor
• permission
• ratification
• recommendation
• signature