principle of superposition

nouns

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