Overlying: meaning, definitions and examples

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overlying

 

[ ˈoʊvərˌlaɪɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

layer position

Overlying refers to something that is situated above or covers another layer. This term is often used in geological contexts to describe sediment or rock layers that rest atop others.

Synonyms

covering, overhanging, superimposed

Examples of usage

  • The overlying strata contain valuable minerals.
  • The overlying clouds obscured the sun.
  • In this region, overlying soil affects drainage.
  • We measured the overlying pressure in the experiment.

Translations

Translations of the word "overlying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrejacente

🇮🇳 ऊपर की

🇩🇪 überlagernd

🇮🇩 menutupi

🇺🇦 надбудований

🇵🇱 pokrywający

🇯🇵 重なっている

🇫🇷 superposé

🇪🇸 superpuesto

🇹🇷 üstte olan

🇰🇷 덮여 있는

🇸🇦 المتراكب

🇨🇿 překrývající

🇸🇰 prekryvajúci

🇨🇳 覆盖的

🇸🇮 prekrivajoč

🇮🇸 yfirliggjandi

🇰🇿 жабуратын

🇬🇪 ზედაპირული

🇦🇿 üstü örtən

🇲🇽 superpuesto

Etymology

The term 'overlying' originates from the Old English word 'āþēon', which meant 'to lie upon or cover'. The prefix 'over-' has been used in various Germanic languages to imply a position above or higher than something else. The term has evolved in usage within various fields, particularly geology, to describe layers of sediment or rock that cover older formations. The concept of overlying is crucial in understanding stratification, as it helps scientists and geologists discern the chronological sequence of geological events. As the study of the Earth's structure has expanded, so has the application of the word 'overlying', making it relevant not just in geology but also in environmental sciences and material studies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,568, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.