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Definition of: superior
(sə·pir′ē·ər, s-) adjective
1. Surpassing in quantity, quality, or degree; more excellent; preferable; in an absolute sense, of great excellence: a superior man.
2. Of higher grade, rank, or dignity.
3. Too great or dignified to be under the influence of something specified; serenely unaffected or indifferent: with to: superior to envy.
4. Locally higher; more elevated; upper.
5. Situated relatively nearer the top of the head when the body is standing erect: opposed to inferior.
6. Bot. Situated above or over another organ or part, as an ovary when free from the calyx, or, in an axillary flower, a petal or lip which is the one next to the main axis of the plant.
7. Printing Set above the level of the line: said of type; thus, in C4Dn, 4 and n are superior.
8. Logic Of wider application; generic: said of terms, conceptions, and propositions.
9. Supercilious; affecting superiority: a superior smile. See synonyms under EXCELLENT, PARAMOUNT, PREDOMINANT.
—noun
1. One who surpasses another in rank or excellence.
2. The ruler of an ecclesiastical order or house, as an abbey, convent, or monastery.
3. Printing A superior letter or character. See synonyms under SUPERINTENDENT. [<OF <L, compar. of superus on high, above <super above]
—su·pe·ri·or·i·ty (sə·pir′ē·ôr′ə·tē, -or′-, s-) noun
—su·pe′ri·or·ly adverb
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