noun
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.
See also: 上付き文字
数式では、指数は上付き添え字で表される。
In mathematical formulas, exponents are represented as superscripts.
このワープロソフトでは、上付き添え字を簡単に入力できる。
In this word processor, you can easily input superscripts.
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.
The counterpart for subscript characters, used similarly for indices or annotations below the baseline.
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.