English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word overlay in English

What does overlay mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

overlay

US /ˌoʊ.vɚˈleɪ/
UK /ˌoʊ.vɚˈleɪ/

Verb

1.

cover the surface of (something) with a coating.

Example:
•
their fingernails were overlaid with silver or gold
Synonym:
coverfacesurfaceveneerinlaylaminatecarpetblanketswathecloakveilshroudoverspreadencrustsmeardaubbedaubcoatplasterplatevarnishglazewashsuffuse
2.

(of a quality or feeling) become more prominent than (a previous quality or feeling).

Example:
•
his openness had been overlaid by his new self-confidence

Noun

1.

something laid as a covering over something else.

Example:
•
a durable, cost-effective floor overlay
Synonym:
coveringlayerfacesurfaceveneerencrustationcarpetblanketsheetcurtaincanopycovercloakveilpallshroudscreenmaskcloudenvelopecoatsmeardaubplatingvarnishglazewash
Synonym:
underlaybase
2.

the process of transferring a block of program code or other data into internal memory, replacing what is already stored.

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