superscript

/ˌsupərˈskrɪpt/

Other forms: superscripts

A superscript is a number or letter that's written slightly above another character. When you write out the mathematical expression "x squared," you write the 2 as a superscript, smaller than and raised above the x, like so: x².

Superscripts are frequently found in mathematical formulas and as footnotes in academic texts. You'll see a superscript printed smaller and higher than the rest of the text, which makes it stand out—so it's clear what it indicates, as in the case of exponents or footnotes. Superscript comes from the Latin superscriptus, "written above," and the roots super, "above," and scribere, "to write."

Definitions of superscript

1. noun

   a character or symbol set or printed or written above and immediately to one side of another character
   synonyms: superior

   antonyms:

   subscript

   a character or symbol set or printed or written beneath or slightly below and to the side of another character

   type of:

   character, grapheme, graphic symbol

   a written symbol that is used to represent speech
2. adjective

   written or printed above and to one side of another character
   synonyms: superior

   antonyms:

   subscript

   written or printed below and to one side of another character

   adscript

   written or printed immediately following another character and aligned with it