Supernumerary

Origin

From the Late Latin supernumerarius ("excessively high in number"), from super ("above; beyond") + numerum, accusative of numerus ("number").

Full definition of supernumerary

Noun

1. A civil designation for somebody who works in a group, association or public office, without forming part of the regular staff; those distinguished from numerary. (For example, supernumerary judges are those who help the regular judges when there is a surplus amount of work.)
2. An extra or walk-on in a film or play; spear-carrier.
• 1992, Sarah Anne Sloane, Supernumeraries at bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) nests (page 50)

Adjective

1. Extra; beyond the standard or prescribed amount or number.
• 1948: Aldous Huxley, Ape and Essence, page 74: 1949 “Chatto & Windus” edition; 1972 “Harper & Row” editionOver close-ups of little faces with hare lips, little trunks with stumps instead of legs and arms, little hands with clusters of supernumerary fingers, little bodies adorned with a double row of nipples, we hear the voice of the Narrator.
2. Greater in number than.
3. Beyond what is necessary.