superposition principle

1 7.7

The lowest layer in a series of rock layers is the oldest

noun
/ˌsuːpərpəˈzɪʃən ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/

Specialized

: principio de superposición

application of the superposition principle

Examples

As Wigner pointed out, the superposition principle means that we can construct linear combinations of states that transform simply under the symmetry transformations.

Academic text (1995)
According to the superposition principle, in a sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layer is at the bottom.
The geologist explained the superposition principle, stating that the lowest sediment layer is the first to form.
In understanding the superposition principle, it is essential to recognize that the deepest layer of rock is the oldest.

Synonyms

superposition

vssuperposition principle

Specialized

1 8.6

A rule that rock layers have the oldest at the bottom and newer ones above

focuses on the same idea but is the more formal named term

principle of superposition

vssuperposition principle

Specialized

1 7.7

A rule that in rock layers left in place the bottom layer is oldest

is identical in meaning but uses a different word order

Surface Forms

superposition principle singular

superposition principles plural

Morphology

superposition + principle

This is a directly compositional scientific label: 'superposition principle' simply names the principle concerning superposition. If a learner knows 'superposition' (the concept that older layers lie below newer ones) and 'principle' (a governing rule), they can infer the MWE's meaning; the 'X principle' pattern is productive and cross-linguistically common.

Etymology

The noun superposition principle comes from the image of rock layers stacked like a layered cake: new material is put on top, so the lowest layer is the 'oldest'. That's why geologists use this rule to tell which layers are 'older' or 'younger'.