Definition of preternatural

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pre·ter·nat·u·ral    (prtr-nchr-l, -nchrl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Out of or being beyond the normal course of nature; differing from the natural.
2. Surpassing the normal or usual; extraordinary: "Below his preternatural affability there is some acid and steel" (George F. Will).
3. Transcending the natural or material order; supernatural.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Medieval Latin praeterntrlis, from Latin praeter ntrm, beyond nature : praeter, beyond ; see preterit + ntra, nature ; see nature

OTHER FORMS:
preter·natu·ral·ism(Noun), preter·natu·ral·ly(Adverb), preter·natu·ral·ness(Noun)