superior

superior [sə pir′ē ər]

adj.

[OFr < L, compar. of superus, that is above < super: see SUPER-]

1. higher in space; placed higher up; upper

2. high or higher in order, status, rank, etc.

3. greater in quality or value than: with to

4. above average in quality; excellent

5. refusing to give in to or be affected by: with to [a person superior to temptation]

6. showing a feeling of being better than others; haughty

7. more comprehensive or inclusive; generic: said of terms, concepts, etc.

8. Anat. located above or directed upward

9. Astron.

a) farther from the sun than the earth is: said of six planets

b) designating that conjunction which occurs when the sun is directly between the earth and an inferior planet

10. Bot.

a) attached above some other organ, as the ovary of a hypogynous flower

b) of the upper or adaxial petal of an axillary flower

11. Printing placed above the type line, as 2 in x²

n.

1. a superior person or thing

2. the head of a religious community

superiorly

adv.