superscript

noun

su·​per·​script ˈsü-pər-ˌskript How to pronounce superscript (audio)
: a distinguishing symbol (such as a numeral or letter) written immediately above or above and to the right or left of another character
superscript adjective

Examples of superscript in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ads appear as a tiny blue superscript text next to a word in search, similar to the format used for citations. Julia Malleck, Quartz, 30 Mar. 2023 In 2015 the Zika virus outbreak superscript text arrived and crystallized the reality that fear was a critical variable in understanding the economics of outbreaks. Evan Ratliff, Wired, 16 June 2020 Like the purple emoji hearts that BTS superfans posted in comments and tweets online, small superscript sevens have popped up in Twitter usernames, bios and the tweets themselves of loyal BTS supporters. Cady Lang, Time, 19 Feb. 2020 Finally, Easier Superscripts Mathematicians, scientists, and other fans of exponents will appreciate the ability to easily add superscript and subscript text to their documents without digging into the system’s catalog of characters. Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, 15 Aug. 2019 But then there are also superscripts, and built-up fractions—like math. Stephen Wolfram, WIRED, 3 Apr. 2018 Next, dash in some extra textual mumbo jumbo, preferably something with one of those old-timey superscript letters. Kyle Vanhemert, WIRED, 31 July 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superscript.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin superscriptus, past participle of superscribere

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of superscript was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near superscript

Cite this Entry

“Superscript.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superscript. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

superscript

noun
su·​per·​script ˈsü-pər-ˌskript How to pronounce superscript (audio)
: a distinguishing symbol (as a numeral or letter) written immediately above or above and to the side of another character
superscript adjective

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