superstratum
[ soo-per-strey-tuh m, -strat-uh m, soo-per-strey-tuh m, -strat-uh m ]
/ ˈsu pərˌstreɪ təm, -ˌstræt əm, ˌsu pərˈstreɪ təm, -ˈstræt əm /
noun, plural su·per·stra·ta [soo-per-strey-tuh, -strat-uh, soo-per-strey-tuh, -strat-uh] /ˈsu pərˌstreɪ tə, -ˌstræt ə, ˌsu pərˈstreɪ tə, -ˈstræt ə/, su·per·stra·tums.
an overlying stratum or layer.
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.
Nearby words
superstation, superstition, superstitious, superstore, superstorm, superstratum, superstring, superstring theory, superstruct, superstructure, supersubtle
Compare substratum.
Origin of superstratum
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for superstratum
After a time the superstratum of rock, which is full of cracks and seams, is undermined and precipitated into the chasm below.
The Falls of Niagara and Other Famous Cataracts|George W. HolleyThey are probably kept near to the surface of the earth by a superstratum of cold air.
The Reason Why|AnonymousSeveral pools, supplied by springs coming from under the superstratum of sandstone, were passed during the day.
Journals of Australian Explorations|A C and F T Gregory
British Dictionary definitions for superstratum
superstratum
/ (ˌsuːpəˈstrɑːtəm, -ˈstreɪ-) /
noun plural -ta (-tə) or -tums
geology a layer or stratum overlying another layer or similar structure
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 CaribbeanCompare substratum (def. 8)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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