superscription
Americannoun
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the act of superscribing.
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something that is superscribed.
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an address on a letter, parcel, or the like.
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Pharmacology. the sign ℞, meaning “take,” at the beginning of a prescription.
noun
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the act of superscribing
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a superscribed title, address, etc
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the symbol ( ) at the head of a medical prescription, which stands for the Latin word recipe (take)
Etymology
Origin of superscription
1350–1400; Middle English superscripcioun < Late Latin superscrīptiōn- (stem of superscrīptiō ) a writing above. See superscript, -ion
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.
The superscription of the fifth relief says, "Tribute imposed on Garparunda of the land of Patinai: silver, gold, lead, copper, objects made of copper, Amsi-horns, hard wood."
From The History of Antiquity, Vol. II (of VI) by Duncker, Max
It enclosed a second letter superscribed to Mr. George Kelly, and prayed the banker to add to the superscription Mr. Kelly's address.
From Parson Kelly by Lang, Andrew
"I have seen it myself, Richard," said Sir John Grey; "the superscription is clear and distinct--'To Sir Thomas Grey, Knight,'--and not one word is mentioned therein of anything like ransom."
From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
The handwriting of the superscription made him look so blank that the others noticed his face and were silent.
From Parson Kelly by Lang, Andrew
"From the King!" exclaimed Sir John Grey--"from the King!--a letter to me!"--and he held the packet to the lamp, and gazed on the superscription attentively.
From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
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.
