[Math] hyper, super and meta. Meaning vs emphasis

hyperoperationterminology

Various mathematical terms use the following prefixes, which are presumably also morphemes:

hyper
super
meta

These have different dictionary definitions, as I understand it "hyper" refers to 4 or more dimensions, and "super" means "more general" etc…

However in terms such as following:

Hyperoperation
Hyperbolic
Superelipse
Metaball

Are thease prefixes used more for emphasis than meaning?

Best Answer

"Meta" means something like "mentally take a step back and look at what your doing". Compare https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphilosophy.
In my experience this is actually what you do when calculating a "hyperoperator". That's why I'd actually argue, "metaoperator" would be a more appropriate name for it.