1. (geology) the principle that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest
   "Geologists use the principle of superposition to determine the relative ages of rock layers";
   - superposition principle, superposition
    
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";
   - Huygens' principle of superposition

Derived forms: principles of superposition

Type of: principle, rule

Encyclopedia: Principle of superposition