UPPER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does upper mean? 

• UPPER (noun)
  The noun UPPER has 3 senses:

1. the higher of two berths

2. piece of leather or synthetic material that forms the part of a shoe or boot above the sole that encases the foot

3. a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression

  Familiarity information: UPPER used as a noun is uncommon.

• UPPER (adjective)
  The adjective UPPER has 3 senses:

1. the topmost one of two

2. higher in place or position

3. superior in rank or accomplishment

  Familiarity information: UPPER used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UPPER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The higher of two berths

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

upper; upper berth

Hypernyms ("upper" is a kind of...):

berth; built in bed; bunk (a bed on a ship or train; usually in tiers)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Piece of leather or synthetic material that forms the part of a shoe or boot above the sole that encases the foot

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Context example:

Uppers come in many styles

Hypernyms ("upper" is a kind of...):

piece of leather (a separate part consisting of leather)

Meronyms (parts of "upper"):

quarter (piece of leather that comprises the part of a shoe or boot covering the heel and joining the vamp)

vamp (piece of leather forming the front part of the upper of a shoe)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "upper"):

toe box (the forward tip of the upper of a shoe or boot that provides space and protection for the toes)

Holonyms ("upper" is a part of...):

boot (footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg)

shoe (footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

amphetamine; pep pill; speed; upper

Hypernyms ("upper" is a kind of...):

drug of abuse; street drug (a drug that is taken for nonmedicinal reasons (usually for mind-altering effects); drug abuse can lead to physical and mental damage and (with some substances) dependence and addiction)

excitant; stimulant; stimulant drug (a drug that temporarily quickens some vital process)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "upper"):

amphetamine sulfate; amphetamine sulphate (a sulfate derivative of amphetamine that is used as a stimulant for the central nervous system)

bennie; Benzedrine (a form of amphetamine)

Dexedrine; dextroamphetamine sulphate (an isomer of amphetamine (trade name Dexedrine) used as a central nervous system stimulant)

chalk; chicken feed; crank; deoxyephedrine; glass; ice; meth; methamphetamine; methamphetamine hydrochloride; Methedrine; shabu; trash (an amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant)

• UPPER (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The topmost one of two

Similar:

top (situated at the top or highest position)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Higher in place or position

Context example:

the upper stories

Similar:

high ((literal meaning) being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation or upward extension (sometimes used in combinations like 'knee-high'))

Sense 3

Meaning:

Superior in rank or accomplishment

Context example:

the upper half of the class

Similar:

superior (of or characteristic of high rank or importance)

 Context examples 

If you saw me looking out of an upper window, you'd think I was a fine woman, wouldn't you?

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The upper part of the throat behind the nose.

(Nasopharynx, NCI Dictionary)

Past observations of other hot Jupiters have revealed that the upper atmospheres increase in temperature.

(Hubble Observes Exoplanet that Snows Sunscreen, NASA)

He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and glanced through.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

A disorder characterized by a reduction in the strength of the upper limb muscles.

(Muscle Weakness Upper Limb, NCI Thesaurus/CTCAE)

Four types of rocks were collected: two blue clays, and one white and one red "alteration zone" rock from the upper part of the deposit.

(New answer to MRSA, other 'superbug' infections: clay minerals?, NSF)

Of or relating to a cavity or chamber in the body, especially one of the upper chambers of the heart.

(Atrial, NCI Thesaurus)

A reduction in the strength of the upper limb muscles.

(Muscle Weakness Upper Limb, NCI Thesaurus)

Pain may also come from your shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.

(Neck Injuries and Disorders, NIH)

Upper abdominal discomfort associated with an urge to vomit.

(Nausea, NCI Thesaurus)