superposition

/ˌsupərpəˈzɪʃən/
noun
  1. The act or state of placing one thing on or over another, or the condition of being placed that way.
    • In the collage, the superposition of different textures gave the artwork depth.
    • Geologists study the superposition of rock layers to understand Earth's history.
    • The superposition of the two transparent sheets created a new pattern.
  2. In physics, the principle that when two or more waves or states overlap, the resulting effect is the sum of their individual effects.
    • The superposition of sound waves can cause constructive or destructive interference.
    • Quantum superposition allows a particle to exist in multiple states at once until it is measured.
    • Using the principle of superposition, engineers can predict how forces combine on a bridge.
Synonyms
What does "superposition" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean