noun

surplus

surplus, excess, surplusage

The country has a trade surplus.

The country has a trade surplus.

We have a surplus of food.

We have a surplus of food.

a surplus of ((sth.)) an amount of (sth.) that is more than is needed We have a surplus of food.

Synonyms: excess, abundance; Antonyms: deficit, shortage

From Old French 'surplus', from 'sur-' (over) + 'plus' (more). Literally 'over more' or more than is needed.

Imagine 'Sir, plus more!' – a waiter bringing you extra food you didn't order, creating a surplus.

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