superpower

[ soo-per-pou-er ]

noun

1. an extremely powerful nation, especially one capable of influencing international events and the acts and policies of less powerful nations.
2. power pow power greater in scope or magnitude than that which is considered natural or has previously existed.
3. power, pow, power, especially mechanical or electric power, pow, power, on an extremely large scale secured by the linking together of a number of separate power pow power systems, with a view to more efficient and economical generation and distribution.

superpower

/ ˈsuːpəˌpaʊə /

noun

1. an extremely powerful state, such as the US
2. extremely high power, esp electrical or mechanical

Derived Forms

• ˈsuperˌpowered, adjective

Other Words From

• super·powered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of superpower¹

First recorded in 1920–25; super- + power