superscript
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Written or printed above the baseline: Describes a character, letter, number, or symbol that is positioned higher than the standard text line, typically smaller in size.
- Superior in position: Refers specifically to something set above another character, often to indicate a mathematical exponent, footnote reference, or other annotation.
Noun:
- A superior character: A character, number, or symbol that is printed or written in the superscript position.
- An exponent or reference mark: Specifically, a superscript is often a numeral or symbol denoting a power (e.g., the 2 in x²) or a reference to a note (e.g., the ¹ in a sentence¹).
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The chemical formula for water uses a superscript '2' in H₂O.
- Please format the footnote number as a superscript character.
- Noun:
- In the expression 5³, the '3' is a superscript indicating a cube.
- The author added a superscript to direct the reader to additional information.
Advanced Usage
- Digital Typography: In word processors and typesetting, the function (often Ctrl+Shift++ or via a formatting menu) is used to apply this style, which adjusts the character's vertical alignment and font size.
- Mathematical and Scientific Notation: Superscripts are fundamental for writing exponents (e.g., 10⁶ for one million), ordinal indicators (1ˢᵗ, 2ⁿᵈ), and ionic charges in chemistry (Ca²⁺).
Variants and Related Words
- Subscript (adj/n): The opposite of superscript; written or printed below the baseline (e.g., the '2' in H₂O).
- Superior (adj, typography): A less common synonym for superscript, especially in older printing contexts.
- Exponent (n): In mathematics, the superscript number that indicates how many times a base number is multiplied by itself.
Synonyms
- Superior character (typography)
- Exponent (mathematics, specific use)
- Reference mark (in footnotes/endnotes)
Related Phrases
- In superscript: Written using the superscript format.
- The temperature was 25°C, with the degree symbol in superscript.
- Set as superscript: To apply the typographical superscript style.
- Highlight the number and set it as superscript.
Adjective
- written or printed above and to one side of another character
Noun
- a character or symbol set or printed or written above and immediately to one side of another character