Superincumbent

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /suːpəɹɪnˈkÊŒmbÉ™nt/

Origin

From Latin superincumbentem, present participle of superincumbere.

Full definition of superincumbent

Adjective

1. (chiefly science) Lying or resting on something else; overlying.
• 1843, Thomas_Carlyle, , book 3, ch. I, Phenomena… alas, on the contrary, what troops and populations of Phantasms, not God-Veracities but Devil-Falsities, down to the very lowest stratum, — which now, by such superincumbent weight of Unveracities, lies enchanted in St. Ives’ Workhouses, broad enough, helpless enough!
• 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 87:The older Verrucano must have travelled to its present position as it slid and ground its way on the back of the oppressed Lochseiten limestone, which buckled and churned under the superincumbent load.