principle of superposition
n 1: (geology) the principle that in a series of stratified
sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest [syn:
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"
[syn: Huygens' principle of superposition]