上うえ付つき添そえ字じ

Meanings

Computing term for a character or symbol set slightly above the normal line of type, often used in mathematical expressions, footnotes, or ordinal indicators. Compare with 上付き文字, which is a broader term for superscript characters.

Kanji

上above, up
付adhere, attach, refer to
添annexed, accompany, marry
字character, letter, word

Related words

上うえ付つき文も字じ
上付き文字 is a more general term for any superscript character, while 上付き添え字 specifically refers to a superscript character used as an annotation or index, such as in mathematical notation or footnotes.
下した付つき添そえ字じ
The counterpart for subscript characters, used similarly for indices or annotations below the baseline.

Built from

上うえ+付つく+添そえる+字じ

Written forms

上うえ付つき添そえ字じ
Standard kanji spelling for this computing term.
上うえ付つき添そえ字じ
Variant spelling with 添字 instead of 添え字; both are used.

Etymology

Compound of 上付き (superscript, attached above) + 添え字 (added character, annotation character). The term is a technical coinage in computing and typesetting contexts.