superimposable

American  

[soo-per-im-poh-zuh-buhl] / ˌsu pər ɪmˈpoʊ zə bəl /

adjective

1. able to be placed or set over, above, or on something else.

   This new version contains over 1,200 light and electron microscopic images, each with superimposable labels and descriptive legends.

2. identical or close to identical when placed or set over, above, or on something else.

   A 3-dimensional object that is not superimposable with its mirror image is chiral, a term derived from the Greek word for “hand.”

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Etymology

Origin of superimposable

superimpos(e) ( def. ) + -able ( def. )

Example Sentences

In 2000, the two men developed organic catalysts that enable chemists to build asymmetric molecules—ones which are not superimposable on their mirror image, like hands.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 6, 2021