superpose

verb

su·​per·​pose ˌsü-pər-ˈpōz How to pronounce superpose (audio)
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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superpose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of superpose was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near superpose

Cite this Entry

“Superpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superpose. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

superpose

verb
su·​per·​pose ˌsü-pər-ˈpōz How to pronounce superpose (audio)
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 noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!