superposition

[ soo-per-puh-zish-uhn ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the order in which sedimentary strata are superposed one above another.

superposition

/ ˌsuːpəpəˈzɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of superposing or state of being superposed
2. geology the principle that in any sequence of sedimentary rocks which has not been disturbed, the oldest strata lie at the bottom and the youngest at the top

superposition

/ so̅o̅′pər-pə-zĭsh′ən /

1. The principle that in a group of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest were the earliest to be deposited.
2. The principle by which the description of the state of a physical system can be broken down into descriptions that are themselves possible states of the system. For example, harmonic motion, as of a violin string, can be analyzed as the sum of harmonic frequencies or harmonics, each of which is itself a kind of harmonic motion; harmonic motion is therefore a superposition of individual harmonics.
3. The combination of two or more physical states, such as waves, to form a new physical state in accordance with this principle.
4. See also waveSee Note at Schrödinger

Word History and Origins

Origin of superposition¹

1790–1800; < French superposition; super-, position

Example Sentences

For our study, we managed to flip the state of the qubits, but not yet produce arbitrary superposition states.

From Singularity Hub 

Unlike normal binary bits, the qubits at the heart of a quantum computer can exist in a state known as superposition, where their value can be 0 and 1 simultaneously.

From Singularity Hub 

Different twists correspond to the 1s, 0s and superpositions of 1s and 0s that are the bits of quantum computation.

From Quanta Magazine

“As a consequence, an agent that can explore its environment in superposition will learn significantly faster than its classical counterpart,” said Briegel.

From Singularity Hub 

The quantum advantage blossoms when the task becomes more complex or difficult, allowing quantum mechanics to fully flex its superposition muscles.

From Singularity Hub 

Last in the order of superposition, is the secondary limestone formation.

From Project Gutenberg

We can produce a more perfect and shorter circle of attractions by the superposition of magnetism, as at B, Fig. 1.

From Project Gutenberg

The horizontal elements constitute the planes, as they cover the voids by horizontal superposition.

From Project Gutenberg

They examined the plates carefully, and neither of them could find any evidence of superposition, or other trick.

From Project Gutenberg

They are also tinted (apparently) by the superposition of a tinted atmosphere.

From Project Gutenberg