Main Entry: ¹su·pe·ri·or

Pronunciation: \su̇-ˈpir-ē-ər\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin, comparative of superus upper, from super over, above — more at over

Date: 14th century

1 : situated higher up : upper
2 : of higher rank, quality, or importance
3 : courageously or serenely indifferent (as to something painful or disheartening)
4 a : greater in quantity or numbers <escaped by superior speed> b : excellent of its kind : better <her superior memory>
5 : being a superscript
6 a of an animal structure : situated above or anterior or dorsal to another and especially a corresponding part <a superior artery> b of a plant structure : situated above or near the top of another part: as (1) of a calyx : attached to and apparently arising from the ovary (2) of an ovary : free from the calyx or other floral envelope
7 : more comprehensive <a genus is superior to a species>
8 : affecting or assuming an air of superiority : supercilious

— su·pe·ri·or·ly adverb