Definition of supernumerary
1a : exceeding the usual, stated, or prescribed number a supernumerary toothb : not enumerated among the regular components of a group and especially of a military organization
2 : exceeding what is necessary, required, or desired
3 : more numerous
From the M-W Editors
Examples of supernumerary in a Sentence
a third, supernumerary witness to the signing of the will
Did You Know?
Supernumerary starts off with the Latin prefix super-, "above". You may have heard of someone being born with supernumerary teeth, supernumerary fingers, or supernumerary toes. A supernumerary rainbow may show up as a faint line—red, green, or purple—just touching the main colored arc. Supernumerary is also a noun: A supernumerary is usually someone in a crowd scene onstage, otherwise known as an "extra" or a "spear-carrier".
Origin and Etymology of supernumerary
Late Latin supernumerarius, from Latin super- + numerus number
supernumerary
Definition of supernumerary
supernumeraries
1 : a supernumerary person or thing
2 : an actor employed to play a walk-on
First Known Use of supernumerary
1639
Other Performing Arts Terms
Medical Dictionary
supernumerary
playMedical Definition of supernumerary
: exceeding the usual or normal number supernumerary teeth a supernumerary rib
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