supernumerary
extra or beyond the required number
Roots
- numer / number: number
- super- / sur-: above, over, or beyond
Other words with the numer / number root
- number: a count or amount
Super gives beyond and numer gives number. Supernumerary means beyond the needed count.
The theater hired supernumerary performers to fill the crowd scene without giving them lines.
Supernumerary is a counting word. The required number is already complete; this person or thing is extra. That can be useful, but it is still beyond the official count.