1 superfluities | Definition of superfluities

superfluity

noun
su·​per·​flu·​i·​ty | \ ËŒsü-pÉ™r-ˈflü-É™-tÄ“ How to pronounce superfluity (audio) \
plural superfluities

Definition of superfluity

b : something unnecessary or superfluous
2 : immoderate and especially luxurious living, habits, or desires

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Examples of superfluity in a Sentence

spends most of her money on designer clothes and other superfluities a superfluity of wire coat hangers from all of those trips to the dry cleaner

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps the excess and superfluity of our present-day leaders’ clothing is a subconscious compensation for not being clothed with power from on high? Troy Patterson, The New Yorker, "The Normcore Opulence of Preachers Wearing Four-Figure Sneakers," 14 June 2019 The skull and its accompanying void inhabit a more abstract reality, a statement stripped of all superfluity. Teju Cole, New York Times, "Joel Meyerowitz’s Career Is a Minihistory of Photography," 18 Jan. 2018 Sarah Perry’s After the Eclipse, on the other hand, is stripped of superfluity. Laura Miller, Slate Magazine, "True Crime Gets Pretty," 15 Aug. 2017 And for those who are very creatively strong, who have a filter, having such a superfluity of launching pads and diving boards works out well. Bruce Sterling, WIRED, "Musica Globalista: the farewell essay by Simon Reynolds, ‘Here Comes Everything’," 2 Sep. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'superfluity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of superfluity

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for superfluity

Middle English superfluitee, from Anglo-French superfluité, from Late Latin superfluitat-, superfluitas, from Latin superfluus

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More Definitions for superfluity

superfluity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of superfluity

formal : more of something than is needed

More from Merriam-Webster on superfluity

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with superfluity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for superfluity

Britannica English: Translation of superfluity for Arabic Speakers