superposed

Superposed is the past participle of the verb superpose, meaning placed on top of or overlapped with something else. As an adjective, it describes elements that have been laid over one another or arranged in an overlay, such as a superposed layer in an image or a superposed signal in data analysis.

Origin and related terms: The word comes from the Latin superponere, “to place above,” and entered English via Old French. Related terms include superpose, superimpose, and the noun concept of superposition, which describes the general idea of layering or combining components.

Usage: The term is used across disciplines to indicate overlaying or layering. In optics and wave physics, a field can be described as a superposed sum of waves. In quantum mechanics, a system may be described as being in a superposed state or in a superposition, reflecting the coexistence of multiple possible states. In photography and imaging, multiple exposures or image layers may be described as being superposed to create a composite image.

See also: Superposition, Superimpose, Overlay, Layering.