Part 978

Su`per*ex"cel*lent (?), a. [Pref. super- + excellent: cf. L. superexcellens.] Excellent in an uncommon degree; very excellent. Drayton.

Su`per*ex`ci*na"tion (?), n. Excessive, or more than normal, excitation.

Su`per*ex*cres"cence (?), n. Something growing superfluously.

Su"per*fam`i*ly (?), n. (Zoöl.) A group intermediate between a family and a suborder.

Su`per*fec`un*da"tion (?), n. (Physiol.) Fertilization of two ova, at the same menstruation, by two different acts of coition.

Su`per*fe*cun"di*ty (?), n. Superabundant fecundity or multiplication of the species.

Su`per*fe"tate (?), v. i. [L. superfetare; super above, over + fetare to bring forth.] To conceive after a prior conception, but before the birth of the offspring.

The female . . . is said to superfetate.

Grew.

Su`per*fe*ta"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. superfétation.] (Physiol.) The formation of a fetus at the result of an impregnation occurring after another impregnation but before the birth of the offspring produced by it. This is possible only when there is a double uterus, or where menstruation persists up to the time of the second impregnation.

In then became a superfetation upon, and not an ingredient in, the national character.

Coleridge.

Su`per*fete" (?), v. i. To superfetate. [Obs.]

Su`per*fete", v. t. To conceive (another fetus) after a former conception. [Obs.] Howell.

Su"per*fice (?), n. A superficies. [Obs.] Dryden.

Su`per*fi"cial (?), a. [L. superficialis: cf. F. superficiel. See Superficies.] 1. Of or pertaining to the superficies, or surface; lying on the surface; shallow; not deep; as, a superficial color; a superficial covering; superficial measure or contents; superficial tillage.

2. Reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; not deep or profound; shallow; -- said especially in respect to study, learning, and the like; as, a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge.

This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise.

Shak.

He is a presumptuous and superficial writer.

Burke.

That superficial judgment, which happens to be right without deserving to be so.

J. H. Newman.

-- Su`per*fi"cial*ly, adv. -- Su`per*fi"cial*ness, n.

Su`per*fi"cial*ist, n. One who attends to anything superficially; a superficial or shallow person; a sciolist; a smatterer.

Su`per*fi`ci*al"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. superficialité.] The quality or state of being superficial; also, that which is superficial. Sir T. Browne.

Su`per*fi"cial*ize (?), v. t. To attend to, or to treat, superficially, or in a shallow or slighting way. [R.]

It is a characteristic weakness of the day to superficialize evil.