'principle of superposition' definitions:

(geology) the principle that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest [syn: principle of superposition, superposition principle, superposition]

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: principle of superposition, Huygens' principle of superposition]