excess: Meaning and Definition of

ex•cess

Pronunciation: (n.ik-ses', ek'sesadj., v.ek'ses, ik-ses'), [key]
— n.
  1. the fact of exceeding something else in amount or degree: His strength is in excess of yours.
  2. the amount or degree by which one thing exceeds another: The bill showed an excess of several hundred dollars over the estimate.
  3. an extreme or excessive amount or degree; superabundance: to have an excess of energy.
  4. a going beyond what is regarded as customary or proper: to talk to excess.
  5. immoderate indulgence; intemperance in eating, drinking, etc.
—adj.
  1. more than or above what is necessary, usual, or specified; extra: a charge for excess baggage; excess profits.
—v.t.
  1. to dismiss, demote, transfer, or furlough (an employee), esp. as part of a mass layoff.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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