overlie

[oh-ver-lahy]

verb (used with object)

overlay, overlain, overlying. 

1. to lie over or upon, as a covering or stratum.

2. to smother (an infant) by lying on them, as in sleep.

overlie

/ ˌəʊvəˈlaɪ /

verb

1. to lie or rest upon Compare overlay

2. to kill (a baby or newborn animal) by lying upon it

Word History and Origins

Origin of overlie¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English overlien, overliggen; over-, lie ²

Example Sentences

The overlying rock, sometimes clay or sandstone, will then suddenly collapse into the depression beneath - this is called a collapse sinkhole.

From BBC

The overlying rock, sometimes clay or sandstone, will then suddenly collapse into the depression beneath - called a 'collapse sinkhole'.

From BBC

“Very Delta” traverses time, bringing memories together, creating overlying queer maps that support one another’s experiences and add new pieces to an endless puzzle of connections.

From Los Angeles Times

This month, the researchers will return to Waesche, looking for more rocks that could confirm whether the loss of overlying ice caused Waesche to wake up.

From Science Magazine

When combined with gravity data, the model computes the ocean's depth as well as the thickness of the overlying ice.

From Science Daily