An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek meaning:

1. “Over,” like → super-, and sometimes implying:
   

2. “Excess higher than that denoted by super-;” e.g. → hypernova.

Etymology (EN): From Gk. hyper, preposition and adverb, “over, beyond, overmuch, above;” cognate with L. super- and Pers. abar-, as below.

Etymology (PE): 1) Mid.Pers. abar; O.Pers. upariy “above; over, upon, according to;” Av. upairi “above, over,” upairi.zəma- “located above the earth;” cf. Gk. hyper- “over, above;” L. super-; O.H.G. ubir “over;” PIE base *uper “over.”
2) hiper, loanword from Gk.