1. A combining form or prefix meaning over, above, high, beyond, excessive, above normal; as, hyperphysical, hyperthyrion; also abnormally great, excessive; as, hyperaemia, hyperbola, hypercritical, hypersecretion.

2. <chemistry> A prefix equivalent to super- or per-; as hyperoxide, or peroxide.

Compare: super.

Origin: Gr. Over, above; akin to L. Super, E. Over.

(06 Mar 1998)