sju:ˈpɪərɪə adj. & n. --adj. 1 in a higher
position; of higher rank (a superior
officer; a superior court). 2 a
above the average in
quality etc. (made of superior leather). b having or
showing a
high opinion of
oneself;
supercilious (had a superior air). 3 (often foll. by to) a better or greater in
some respect (superior to
its rivals in speed). b above
yielding,
making concessions, paying
attention, etc. (is superior to bribery; superior to temptation). 4
further above or
out; higher, esp.: a Astron. (of a planet) having an
orbit further
from the
sun than the earth's. b Zool. (of an insect's wings) folding
over others. c
Printing (of figures or letters) placed above the line. d
Bot. (of the calyx) above the
ovary. e Bot. (of the ovary) above the
calyx. --n. 1 a
person superior to
another in rank,
character, etc. (is
deferential to
his superiors; is his superior in courage). 2 (fem. superioress) Eccl. the
head of a
monastery or
other religious institution (Mother Superior;
Father Superior). 3 Printing a superior
letter or
figure. øsuperior numbers
esp.
Mil.
more men etc. or
their strength (overcome by superior numbers). superior persons esp.
iron. the better
educated or
÷lite; prigs. øøsuperiorly adv. [ME f. OF superiour f. L superior -oris, compar. of superus
that is above f.
super above]
