supersedure

Supersedure is the act or process of replacing one person, thing, or system with another that is considered superior, more current, or better suited to a given purpose. The term is used across disciplines to denote substitution rather than mere removal, and it often implies that a newer option should take the place of an older one.

In political, legal, or organizational contexts, supersedure refers to the replacement of an officeholder, policy, or standard by a successor deemed more appropriate or effective. It can occur through formal procedures, elections, appointments, or shifts in authority, and it may involve transitional arrangements or conflicts when competing claims to the role arise. The concept is related to, but distinct from, general succession, modernization, or reform.

In beekeeping, queen supersedure is a natural process in honeybee colonies in which workers rear a new queen to replace an aging or failing queen. The colony may produce supersedure cells that nurture a prospective queen, and the old queen may be replaced once the new queen emerges and mates. Supersedure contrasts with swarming, in which a portion of the colony departs with the old queen to establish a new colony; in supersedure, the replacement queen remains within the original hive.

Etymology: supersedure derives from Latin roots meaning to sit above or to be above. The noun is relatively rare in modern usage; more common terms include supersession, replacement, or succession.