overlay
overlay Lexical Profile
overlay Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A transparent sheet or digital graphic layer superimposed over an image, map, or screen to display additional information.
"The weather broadcast used a radar overlay to show the path of the approaching storm."
A decorative or protective layer of material applied over the surface of something else.
"The antique wooden chest was decorated with an intricate brass overlay."
An additional quality, impression, or element that is superimposed onto a basic character or situation.
"His cheerful demeanor had a subtle overlay of nervousness during the interview."
• verb
To superimpose an image, graphic, sound, or set of data over another.
"You can overlay the historical map onto satellite imagery to see how the coastline has changed."
To cover the surface of something with a coating, veneer, or decorative layer.
"Craftsmen overlaid the dome of the building with thin sheets of gold leaf."
To obscure, permeate, or become more prominent than an underlying feeling or quality.
"Years of bureaucratic routine had overlaid his original enthusiasm for the project."
Word Nuance & Usage
Like 'lay' and 'lie', the transitive verb 'overlay' (past tense 'overlaid') is often confused with 'overlie' (past tense 'overlay', past participle 'overlain'), which means to lie on top of something.
• Rhymes for overlay
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English overleien, from Old English oferlecgan ('to place upon, burden'), formed from ofer ('over') and lecgan ('to lay').