excess

Excess is defined as more of something than is needed.

(noun)

The definition of excess is something that is extra.

(adjective)

An example of excess is the phrase “excess baggage.”

See excess in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

action or conduct that goes beyond the usual, reasonable, or lawful limit
lack of moderation; intemperance; overindulgence
an amount or quantity greater than is necessary, desirable, usable, etc.; too much; superfluity
the amount or degree by which one thing exceeds another; remainder; surplus

Origin: ME & OFr exces < L excessus < pp. of excedere: see exceed

adjective

more than usual; extra; surplus: excess profits

transitive verb

to do away with the position or job of: the science center excessed many researchers

See excess in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The state of exceeding what is normal or sufficient: rains that filled the reservoirs to excess.
An amount or quantity beyond what is normal or sufficient; a surplus.
The amount or degree by which one quantity exceeds another: Profit is the excess of sales over costs.
Intemperance; overindulgence: drank to excess.
A behavior or an action that exceeds proper or lawful bounds: tried to avoid engaging in emotional excesses such as hysteria and fits of temper.

adjective

Being more than is usual, required, or permitted: skimming off the excess fat. See Synonyms at superfluous.

transitive verb ex·cessed, ex·cess·ing, ex·cess·es

To eliminate the job or position of.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin excessus

Origin: , past participle of excēdere, to exceed; see exceed

Learn more about excess

excess synonyms

excess medical definition