n. & adj.
--n.
1. an amount left over when requirements have been met.
2 a an excess of revenue over expenditure in a given period, esp. a financial year (opp. DEFICIT). b the excess value of a company's assets over the face value of its stock.
--adj. exceeding what is needed or used.
Phrases and idioms:
surplus value Econ. the difference between the value of work done and wages paid.
Etymology: ME f. AF surplus, OF s(o)urplus f. med.L superplus (as SUPER-, + plus more)