Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - superlative

 I. adjective  Etymology: Middle English superlatif, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus (past participle of superferre to carry over, raise high), from super- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear  Date: 14th century  1. of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent  2.  a. surpassing all others ; supreme  b. of very high quality ; excellent ~ work  3. excessive, exaggerated  • ~ly adverb  • ~ness noun  II. noun  Date: 15th century  1.  a. the ~ degree of comparison in a language  b. a ~ form of an adjective or adverb  2. the ~ or utmost degree of something ; acme  3. a ~ person or thing  4. an admiring sometimes exaggerated expression especially of praise