I. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
Etymology: over (I) + burden, v.
: to place an excessive burden on : load to excess : weigh down
the pauper class which overburdens the city asylums — Nels Anderson
overburdened … by a profusion of ornament — Anny Varron
tree branches overburdened with ice
II. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: in sense 1, from overburden (I) ; in other senses, from over (III) + burden, n.
1. : excess of burden
2.
a. : consolidated or unconsolidated material overlying a deposit of useful geological materials (as a coal seam or an ore body) especially where mined by open cuts ; also : sedimentary rock overlying older crystalline rocks
b. : loose soil, sand, gravel, or similar material above a bedrock
3. : the sterile stratum lying above a cultural level at an archaeological site