su|preme´ness

su|preme «suh PREEM, su-», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. highest in rank or authority: »

a supreme ruler, a supreme commander.

SYNONYM(S): chief, paramount.

2. of or belonging to a person or thing that is supreme: »

supreme authority. German reunification constituted an obligation on the part of the four Powers who assumed supreme power in Germany (London Times).

3. highest in degree; greatest; utmost; extreme: »

supreme disgust.

4. highest in quality: »

With supreme courage she snatched the baby from in front of the car.

5. highest or greatest in character or achievement: »

a supreme optimist, a supreme pianist.

6. last; final: »

Soldiers who die for their country make the supreme sacrifice.

–n.

= suprême (defs. 3 and 4). (Cf. ↑suprême)

╂[< Latin suprēmus, superlative of superus a thing above < super above]

–su|preme´ly, adverb.

–su|preme´ness, noun.

suprême, noun.

–n.

1. a white sauce or veloute made from chicken stock; sauce supreme.

2. a dish made or served with this sauce.

3. Also, supreme. a shallow bowl or glass on a pedestal.

4. Also, supreme. an appetizer or dessert served in such a bowl or glass. »

It was Mrs. Whitney who selected [the] supreme of fresh fruit (New York Times).