Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions History

Literary notes about supernumerary (AI summary)

In literature, "supernumerary" is employed in a variety of contexts to signify an element considered extra or beyond the normal complement. In medical and anatomical discussions, it appears frequently to describe additional physical features, such as teeth or digits—whether referring to supernumerary incisors that crowd the dental arch [1] or extra limbs and digits highlighted in both scientific and narrative accounts [2][3]. At the same time, the term is applied in military or administrative settings to denote members who are not part of the core roster, as seen when referring to extra officers, clerks, or crew members who hold a peripheral status [4][5]. In the realm of literature and drama, characters described as supernumerary often function as minor or background figures, underscoring their role as supplementary rather than central to the action [6][7]. Thus, across various disciplines and narrative styles, the word yields a nuanced meaning of being surplus or additional to the primary group or function.
  1. Paul (VI. xii) says supernumerary teeth may be cut down with excavators (τῶν σμιλιωτῶν).
    — from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne
  2. Occasionally there are several supernumerary digits; but usually only one, making the total number six.
    — from Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
  3. —Supernumerary fingers and toes are eminently liable, as various authors have insisted, to be inherited.
    — from Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
  4. the captain said; "as he is to be a supernumerary, I suppose that only means that the firm are willing that he shall put in his time for his rating.
    — from The Treasure of the Incas: A Story of Adventure in Peru by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
  5. E's promoted to be captain's second supernumerary servant, to be dressed and addressed as such.
    — from Traffics and Discoveries by Rudyard Kipling
  6. She is brought on the stage occasionally towards the end of the play, but never utters one word, and seems a supernumerary of no importance at all.
    — from Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
  7. One felt one's self a supernumerary hired to fill the scene.
    — from The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux