I. su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin, comparative of superus upper, from super over, above — more at over
Date: 14th century
1. : situated higher up : upper
2. : of higher rank, quality, or importance
3. : courageously or serenely indifferent (as to something painful or disheartening)
4.
a. : greater in quantity or numbers
escaped by superior speed
b. : excellent of its kind : better
her superior memory
5. : being a superscript
6.
a. of an animal structure : situated above or anterior or dorsal to another and especially a corresponding part
a superior artery
b. of a plant structure : situated above or near the top of another part: as
(1) of a calyx : attached to and apparently arising from the ovary
(2) of an ovary : free from the calyx or other floral envelope
7. : more comprehensive
a genus is superior to a species
8. : affecting or assuming an air of superiority : supercilious
• su·pe·ri·or·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : one who is above another in rank, station, or office ; especially : the head of a religious house or order
2. : one that surpasses another in quality or merit
3. : superscript