principle of superposition meaning and definition

PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION noun

Definition of principle of superposition (noun)

1. (geology) the principle that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest
   • synonyms: superposition, superposition principle
2. 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
   • "the principle of superposition is the basis of the wave theory of light"
   • synonyms: Huygens' principle of superposition