stratum
noun/ˈstrɑːtəm/
/ˈstreɪtəm/
(plural strata
/ˈstrɑːtə/
/ˈstreɪtə/
)- (geology) a layer or set of layers of rock, earth, etc.
- a thick stratum of flint
- limestone strata
- Excavated coins can often be dated from other objects in the same stratum.
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- (formal) a class in a society
- people from all social strata
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Word Originlate 16th cent. (in the sense ‘layer or coat of a substance’): modern Latin, from Latin, literally ‘something spread or laid down’, neuter past participle of sternere ‘strew’.
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stratum