Stratum

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈstɹɑːtÉ™m/
• IPA: /ˈstɹeɪtÉ™m/

Origin

From Latin strātum ("a spread for a bed, coverlet, quilt, blanket; a pillow, bolster; a bed"), neuter singular of strātus, perfect passive participle of sternō ("spread").

Full definition of stratum

Noun

1. One of several parallel horizontal layers of material arranged one on top of another.
2. (geology) A layer of sedimentary rock having approximately the same composition throughout.
3. Any of the regions of the atmosphere, such as the stratosphere, that occur as layers.
4. (biology) A layer of tissue.
5. A class of society composed of people with similar social, cultural, or economic status.
6. (ecology) A layer of vegetation, usually of similar height.

Synonyms

• (layers of material arranged one on top of another) tier

Related terms

• stratification
• stratify
• stratosphere