Definition

A written note or title placed above or outside of something else, often used in contexts like prescriptions or inscriptions.

Example

The superscription on the envelope indicated it was a special delivery.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the superscription on your prescriptions?

Yeah, it's interesting how they use that old Latin word, isn't it?

I wonder why they still keep the superscription instead of just writing it out in English.

Probably because it adds a touch of tradition to the process.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Superscription is formed from "super-" (meaning above or over) and "scriptio" (from "scribere", meaning to write). The word refers to something that is written above or on top of something else.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'written above' ('super-') — that's what superscription means.

Visually Confused Words