superscript

[ soo-per-skript ]

adjective

1. Printing. superior ( def 10 ).

noun

1. Printing. superior ( def 12 ).
2. Obsolete. an address on a letter; superscription.

superscript

/ ˈsuːpəˌskrɪpt /

adjective

1. printing (of a character) written or printed above the line; superior Compare subscript

noun

1. a superscript or superior character
2. obsolete.
   a superscription on a document, letter, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of superscript¹

1580–90; < Latin superscrīptus (past participle of superscrībere to superscribe ), equivalent to super- super- + scrīptus written; script

Word History and Origins

Origin of superscript¹

C16: from Latin superscriptus; see superscribe

Example Sentences

It had a blue cover, she said, and was unmarked except for “cuaderno de trabajo” written in the italicized superscript taught in elementary schools around Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times

We decided on “F cubed”—which stood for “Finding Fun and Friends”—with a white capital F and a white superscript three on an orange background.

From Literature

Move a regular comma up to the superscript position and you’ve got a close quote.

From Washington Post

For instance, papers often have mathematical equations and formulae in the sub- and superscript lines, along with Greek letters and special characters.

From Nature

LG, here’s some advice: never use a superscript to name a smartphone... or change the name of a phone a full year after it launched.

From The Verge