superstratum

[ soo-per-strey-tuhm, -strat-uhm, soo-per-strey-tuhm, -strat-uhm ]

noun

, plural su·per·stra·ta [soo, -per-strey-t, uh, -strat-, uh, soo-per-, strey, -t, uh, -, strat, -, uh], su·per·stra·tums.

1. an overlying stratum or layer.
2. 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.

superstratum

/ -ˈstreɪ-; ˌsuːpəˈstrɑːtəm /

noun

1. geology a layer or stratum overlying another layer or similar structure
2. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superstratum¹

1800–10; super- + stratum; substratum

Example Sentences

After a time the superstratum of rock, which is full of cracks and seams, is undermined and precipitated into the chasm below.

From Project Gutenberg

The superstratum was very light, and brownish black, the remainder yellowish brown, the yellow tints as well as the stiffness increasing downwards. 

From Project Gutenberg

And before she could stop him, he had pounced upon it and pulled it out, upsetting a superstratum of gowns in the process.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coating
• facade
• skin
• surface