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Synonyms

superstratum

American  
[soo-per-strey-tuhm, -strat-uhm, soo-per-strey-tuhm, -strat-uhm] / ˈsu pərˌstreɪ təm, -ˌstræt əm, ˌsu pərˈstreɪ təm, -ˈstræt əm /

noun

plural

superstrata, superstratums

  1. an overlying stratum or layer.

  2. Historical Linguistics. a set of features of a language traceable to the influence of a language formerly spoken within the same society by a dominant group.

    English has a Norman-French superstratum.
superstratum British  
/ -ˈstreɪ-, ˌsuːpəˈstrɑːtəm /

noun

  1. geology a layer or stratum overlying another layer or similar structure

  2. linguistics the language of a conquering or colonizing population as it supplants that of an indigenous population, as for example French and English in the Caribbean Compare substratum

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of superstratum

1800–10; super- + stratum; substratum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a time the superstratum of rock, which is full of cracks and seams, is undermined and precipitated into the chasm below.

From The Falls of Niagara and Other Famous Cataracts by Holley, George W.

After leaving the narrow valley which the river has cut for itself through a superstratum of yellowish clay, the country becomes nearly level--a dreary plain, covered with fern and the manuka bush.

From Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. Including Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, Etc. to Which Is Added the Account of Mr. E.B. Kennedy's Expedition for the Exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. By John Macgillivray, F.R.G.S. Naturalist to the Expedition. — Volume 2 by MacGillivray, John

Anne said little to all these things, and preserved a superstratum of calmness on her countenance; but some inner voice seemed to whisper to her that Bob was no more. 

From The Trumpet-Major by Hardy, Thomas

Several pools, supplied by springs coming from under the superstratum of sandstone, were passed during the day.

From Journals of Australian Explorations by Gregory, Augustus Charles

The superstratum was very light, and brownish black, the remainder yellowish brown, the yellow tints as well as the stiffness increasing downwards. 

From Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and the Neighbouring Countries by Griffith, William

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.