superstrate

• Nom désignant une couche ou un substrat situé au-dessus d'une autre, ou en linguistique, une langue apportée par un groupe envahisseur ou dominant qui influence la langue indigène.

A noun referring to a layer or stratum that is placed over another, or in linguistics, the language of a later invading or dominant group that influences the language of the indigenous population.

1. Geological layerC2formal

   A stratum or layer that is deposited or lies above another layer.

   superstrate géologique

   • The geologist identified a superstrate of sandstone over the limestone.
   • Sedimentary superstrates often contain fossils from later periods.
   • The superstrate was clearly visible in the cliff face.

   Synonymesoverlayersuperstratum

   Antonymessubstrate

2. Linguistic influenceC2formal

   A language of a later invading or dominant group that influences the language of the indigenous population, often contributing vocabulary or structural features.

   superstrat (linguistique)

   • French acted as a superstrate on English after the Norman Conquest.
   • The superstrate language left many loanwords in the local dialect.
   • Linguists study how a superstrate can reshape a substrate language over time.

   Synonymessuperstratum