n. /ik ses", ek"ses/ ; adj. , v. /ek"ses, ik ses"/ , n.
1. the fact of exceeding something else in amount or degree: His strength is in excess of yours.
2. the amount or degree by which one thing exceeds another: The bill showed an excess of several hundred dollars over the estimate.
3. an extreme or excessive amount or degree; superabundance: to have an excess of energy.
4. a going beyond what is regarded as customary or proper: to talk to excess.
5. immoderate indulgence; intemperance in eating, drinking, etc.
adj.
6. more than or above what is necessary, usual, or specified; extra: a charge for excess baggage; excess profits.
v.t.
7. to dismiss, demote, transfer, or furlough (an employee), esp. as part of a mass layoff.
[ 1350-1400; ME (n. and adj.) excessus departure, digression, equiv. to exced-, var. s. of excedere to EXCEED + -tus suffix of v. action ]
Syn. 3. surplus.
Ant. 3. lack, deficiency.