superpose

[ soo-per-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, su·per·posed, su·per·pos·ing.

1. to place above or upon something else, or one upon another.
2. Geometry. to place (one figure) in the space occupied by another, so that the two figures coincide throughout their whole extent.

superpose

/ ˌsuːpəˈpəʊz /

verb

1. geometry to transpose (the coordinates of one geometric figure) to coincide with those of another
2. a rare word for superimpose

Derived Forms

• ˌsuperˈposable, adjective

Other Words From

• super·posa·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of superpose¹

From the French word superposer, dating back to 1815–25. See super-, pose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of superpose¹

C19: from French superposer, from Latin superpōnere, from super- + pōnere to place

Example Sentences

The technology is based on quantum bits, or qubits, that can be 'superposed' on each other, exponentially increasing the amount of information that can be processed.

From Reuters

Like entanglement, the superposed states essential to its power are fragile, collapsing when measured or otherwise perturbed by the outside world.

From Science Magazine

Quantum computers, in contrast, traffic in qubits, which are constructed out of superposed particles that embody numerous states simultaneously.

From Scientific American

The technology is based on quantum bits, or qubits, that can be ‘superposed’ on each other, exponentially increasing the amount of information that can be processed.

From Reuters

Before the superposed photon hits the eye its wave function is spread out, and the photon has an equal probability of being seen on the left or the right.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• blanket
• bury
• coat
• dress
• enclose
• protect
• shroud