I. ˈsər(ˌ)pləs, ˈsə̄(-, ˈsəi(- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin superplus, from Latin super- + plus more — more at plus
1.
a. : the amount that remains when use or need is satisfied
b. : an excess of receipts over disbursements
budget surplus
cash surplus
— opposed to deficit
c. : an excess of the net worth of a corporation over the par or stated value of its capital stock — compare capital surplus , earned surplus , paid-in surplus , reserve account 3, undivided profits
2. Britain : the amount remaining : rest
Synonyms: see excess
II. adjective
1. : being more than sufficient for use or need : constituting a surplus
the steady stream of surplus population from the farms — B.K.Sandwell
sales of surplus wheat to Asian countries
the poem … heavy with surplus phrasing — William Arrowsmith
2. : remaining after the end of a period of specific need or use ; specifically : designed for but not used in war usually as a result of a cessation of hostilities
surplus war material
surplus army blankets
surplus jeeps