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.
Want to learn more?
Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app.
- (formal) a class in a society
- people from all social strata
More Like This Easily-confused plural/singular formsEasily-confused plural/singular forms
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’.
Check pronunciation:
stratum