Etymology

Preposition

1. In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; — opposed to below or beneath.
   • translation of Genesis 2:20,

     Fowl that may fly above the earth.

2. Figuratively, higher than; superior to in any respect; surpassing; beyond; higher in measure or degree than; as, things above comprehension; above mean actions; conduct above reproach.
   • Marlowe,

     Thy worth […] is actions above my gifts.

   • translation of Acts 36:13,

     I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun.

3. Surpassing in number or quantity; more than; as, above a hundred. (Passing into the adverbial sense; see adverb #4 below.)

Adverb

1. In a higher place; overhead; into or from heaven.

   He's in a better place now, floating free as the clouds above.

2. Earlier in order; higher in the same page; hence, in a foregoing page.
   • Dryden,

     That was said above.

3. Higher in rank or power.

   He appealed to the court above.

Adjective

1. Above is often used elliptically as an adjective by omitting the word said, mentioned, quoted, or the like:
   • the above(-said) observations
   • the above(-cited) reference
   • the above(-quoted) articles

Noun

1. Above is often used further elliptically as a noun by omitting the noun, where it is should be clear what is omitted.

   See the above.