preternatural Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective satellite surpassing the ordinary or normal
uncanny.
- Beyond his preternatural affability there is some acid and some steel" - George Will
- his uncanny sense of direction
adjective satellite existing outside of or not in accordance with nature
nonnatural; otherworldly; transcendental.
- find transcendental motives for sublunary action"-Aldous Huxley

Pref. preter + natural.

Beyond of different from what is natural, or according to the regular course of things, but not clearly supernatural or miraculous; strange; inexplicable; extraordinary; uncommon; irregular; abnormal; as, a preternatural appearance; a preternatural stillness; a preternatural presentation (in childbirth) or labor.
This vile and preternatural temper of mind. South.
Syn. -- See Supernatural.