superpower - Definitions from Dictionary.com

4 results for: superpower

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

su·per·pow·er

Audio Help [soo-per-pou-er] Pronunciation Key

–noun

1.	an extremely powerful nation, esp. one capable of influencing international events and the acts and policies of less powerful nations.

2.	power greater in scope or magnitude than that which is considered natural or has previously existed.

3.	power, esp. mechanical or electric power, on an extremely large scale secured by the linking together of a number of separate power systems, with a view to more efficient and economical generation and distribution.

[Origin: 1920–25; super- + power

]

—Related forms

su·per·pow·ered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
superpower

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

su·per·pow·er Audio Help (sōō'pər-pou'ər) Pronunciation Key
n. A powerful and influential nation, especially a nuclear power that dominates its allies or client states in an international power bloc.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
superpower

1944, in geopolitical sense of "nation with great interest and ability to exert force in worldwide theaters of conflict," from super- + power. The word itself is attested in physical senses from 1922.

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