superstratum
Americannoun
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an overlying stratum or layer.
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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.
noun
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geology a layer or stratum overlying another layer or similar structure
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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
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of superstratum
1800–10; super- + stratum; cf. 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.
In what he has to say about the Indians, a subject that lies as a superstratum under his work, he is anxious to hear all that can be said.
From Personal Memoirs of a Residence of Thirty Years with the Indian Tribes on the American Frontiers by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe
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
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.
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
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
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.
