suppletory

adjective

sup·​ple·​to·​ry sə-ˈplē-tə-rē How to pronounce suppletory (audio) ˈsə-plə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce suppletory (audio)
: supplying deficiencies : supplementary
rules suppletory to the contract

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin supplētōrius, from Latin supplēre "to fill up, complete, raise to its full complement" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix, originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor — more at supply entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suppletory was circa 1631

Dictionary Entries Near suppletory

Cite this Entry

“Suppletory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suppletory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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