ultra vires

adverb or adjective ul·tra vi·res \ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ˌ)rēz\

Definition of ULTRA VIRES

: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority

New Latin, literally, beyond power

First Known Use: 1793

Next Word in the Dictionary: ultroneousPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ultraviolet spectrumAll Words Near: ultra vires

What made you want to look up ultra vires? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears