principle of superposition

Noun

• 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
    

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

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  Huygens' principle of superposition , superposition principle , superposition