Superscript (noun)

1. A character, symbol, or number that is set slightly above and to the right or left of the text that it refers to.
2. A small letter, numeral, or symbol placed above and to one side of another character, indicating that the latter is to be taken as a power of a specified number, as in x² (x squared) or f₂ (f sub two).

Origin:

Early 18th century, from super- + script "writing".

Examples:

1. The equation 2x² is an example of superscript, the small 2 written above and to the right of the x indicates x is squared.
2. In some chemical formulas, superscripts are used to indicate the number of atoms of a particular element in a molecule.
3. You can use the superscript feature in word processing software to create equations or footnotes.
4. In some notation systems superscript numbers are used to indicate the number of times a note is played, called ornaments in music.
5. The superscript can also indicate a reference number or footnote in a document.