overlay etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: "overleien," from Old English: "oferlǣċgan"
• "Ofer" means "over" or "above"
• "Lǣċġan" means "to lay"

Meaning:

• To place or spread something over something else
• To superimpose or add something to an existing image, text, or design

Origin:

The word "overlay" was first used in the late 13th century to describe the process of adding a thin layer of gold or silver leaf to a painted surface. It was also used in the context of clothing, referring to a garment or cloth that was worn over another one.

Over time, the meaning of "overlay" expanded to include any act of placing or spreading something over something else. It is now commonly used in various fields, including:

• Digital imaging: Superimposing one image over another to create a layered effect
• Computer science: Adding a graphical user interface (GUI) on top of an operating system
• Manufacturing: Applying a protective or decorative layer to a substrate
• Architecture: Adding an additional roof or floor to an existing structure

overlay relate terms

• overlie

  Etymology The word overlie combines over preposition above or on top of more th

• over

  Etymology The word over derives from the Middle English over which in turn stems fr

• overlay

  Etymology Middle English overleien from Old English oferlǣċgan Ofer means o

• overlay

  Etymology Middle English overleien from Old English oferlǣċgan Ofer means o

• over

  Etymology The word over derives from the Middle English over which in turn stems fr

• cover

  Etymology Origin of the Word Middle English coveren cover from the Old French covr

• plaster

  Etymology The word plaster derives from the Late Latin term plastrum which means w

• couch

  Etymology The word couch comes from the Old French couche meaning bed or place t

• splash

  Etymology The word splash comes from the Middle English word plaischen which is of o

• layer

  Etymology Origin Old English leger meaning a stratum or bed Proto Germanic lagriz m

• relay

  Etymology Old French relais Medieval Latin relaxare to loosen slacken relax M

• ornament

• protection

  Etymology The word protection comes from the Old French word protection which in tur