[thap] (v) EN: lay on top (of) ; pile (up) ; be on top (of) ; overlay ; overlie ; lie on top of ; run over ; put on top ; cover ; overlap ; encroach uponFR: superposer
(n) (geology) the principle that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest, Syn. superposition, superposition principle
(n) the displacement of any point due to the superposition of wave systems is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point, Syn. Huygens' principle of superposition, Example:the principle of superposition is the basis of the wave theory of light
v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Superposed p. pr. & vb. n. Superposing. ] [ F. superposer. See Super-, and Pose. ] 1. To lay upon, as one kind of rock on another. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Geom.) To lay (a figure) upon another in such a manner that all the parts of the one coincide with the parts of the other; as, to superpose one plane figure on another. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. superposition. See Super-, and Position. ] The act of superposing, or the state of being superposed; as, the superposition of rocks; the superposition of one plane figure on another, in geometry. [ 1913 Webster ]