superpose

verb

su·​per·​pose ˌsü-pər-ˈpōz 

superposed; superposing

transitive verb

1

: to place or lay over or above whether in or not in contact : superimpose

2

: to lay (something, such as a geometric figure) upon another so as to make all like parts coincide

superposable

ˌsü-pər-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of superpose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The atom’s superposed states no longer interfere coherently with one another because they are now entangled with other states in the surrounding environment—including, perhaps, some large measuring instrument. —Philip Ball, WIRED, 28 July 2019

The atom’s superposed states no longer interfere coherently with one another because they are now entangled with other states in the surrounding environment — including, perhaps, some large measuring instrument. —Quanta Magazine, 22 July 2019

This requires that all possible states of the traveling particle be superposed in a single, coherent quantum state for tens of femtoseconds. —Peter Byrne, Quanta Magazine, 30 July 2013

Word History

Etymology

probably from French superposer, back-formation from superposition, from Late Latin superposition-, superpositio, from Latin superponere to superpose, from super- + ponere to place — more at position

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

superpose

verb

su·​per·​pose ˌsü-pər-ˈpōz 

superposed; superposing

: to place or lay over or above another especially so as to make all like parts coincide

congruent triangles can be superposed

superposition

-pə-ˈzish-ən 

noun