overlie
overlie Lexical Profile
overlie Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To lie or be situated on top of something (especially of geological strata or anatomical layers).
"Thick layers of sedimentary limestone overlie the ancient volcanic bedrock along the coast."
To smother or suffocate a young child or animal by accidentally lying on top of it.
"The sow was kept in a specialized farrowing crate so she would not accidentally overlie her newborn piglets."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'overlie' (past tense 'overlay', past participle 'overlain') with 'overlay' (past tense and past participle 'overlaid'). 'Overlie' means to rest or be situated on top of something, whereas 'overlay' means to apply a surface or covering onto something.
• Rhymes for overlie
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old English 'oferlicgan', formed from the prefix 'ofer-' (over) and 'licgan' (to lie).