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definitions

ultra vires

[ uhl-truh vahy-reez ]
/ ˌʌl trə ˈvaɪ riz /

adverb, adjective Law.

beyond the legal power or authority of a corporation, corporate officer, etc. (opposed to intra vires).

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Nearby words

  1. ultimogeniture,
  2. ultisol,
  3. ulto.,
  4. ultra,
  5. ultra filtration,
  6. ultra-,
  7. ultra-distance,
  8. ultrabasic,
  9. ultracentrifuge,
  10. ultraclean

Origin of ultra vires

First recorded in 1785–95, ultra vires is from the Latin word ultrā vīrēs literally, beyond strength
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for ultra vires

ultra vires

/ (ˈvaɪriːz) /

adverb, adjective

(predicative) law beyond the legal power or authority of a person, corporation, agent, etc

Word Origin for ultra vires

Latin, literally: beyond strength
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
Word Origin and History for ultra vires

ultra vires

Latin, literally "beyond powers," from vires "strength, force, vigor, power," plural of vis.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper