supernumerary
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From the Late Latin supernumarius “excessively high in number” from super “above; beyond” + numerum accusative of numerum “number”
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
supernumerary (plural supernumeraries)
- A civil designation for somebody who works in a group, association or public office, without forming part of the regular staff; those distinguished from numerary. (For example, supernumerary judges are those who help the regular judges when there is a surplus amount of work.)
- An extra or walk-on in a film or play; spear-carrier.
[edit] Adjective
supernumerary (not comparable)
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Positive |
Superlative |
- Extra; beyond the standard or prescribed amount.
- 1948: Aldous Huxley, Ape and Essence, page 74: 1949 “Chatto & Windus” edition; 1972 “Harper & Row” edition
- Over close-ups of little faces with hare lips, little trunks with stumps instead of legs and arms, little hands with clusters of supernumerary fingers, little bodies adorned with a double row of nipples, we hear the voice of the Narrator.
- 1948: Aldous Huxley, Ape and Essence, page 74: 1949 “Chatto & Windus” edition; 1972 “Harper & Row” edition
- Greater in number than.
- Beyond what is necessary.
[edit] Quotations
- For examples of the usage of this term see the citations page.
[edit] Translations
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