overlay

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a layer of something that is put over something else.

n. a covering or layer that is superimposed on a surface or another object.

“The table had a beautiful glass overlay to protect the wood underneath.”

“The presentation included a transparent overlay that highlighted the projected growth areas on the regional map.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a part of a website or app that appears on top of the main screen.

n. a graphical user interface element that appears over the existing display, often used for advertisements or notifications.

“An annoying ad overlay blocked the text I was trying to read.”

“The streaming software allows users to add a custom overlay that displays their social media handles during the broadcast.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. when the chance of winning is better than the price you have to pay.

n. a situation in which the odds offered on a wager are higher than the actual probability of the outcome occurring.

“The professional gambler identified the horse as a clear overlay at ten-to-one.”

“Experienced bettors look for an overlay where the public has underestimated a contestant's statistical likelihood of victory.”

C2 · Proficiency Archaic

v. to accidentally smother someone, usually a baby, by lying on top of them.

v. to suffocate a person or animal by lying upon them; historically used in the context of infants in shared beds.

“In the old records, the cause of death was listed as the infant being overlaid.”

“The historical text warned mothers of the dangers of overlaying their children during the night.”