stratum Meaning & Definition
What Does Stratum Mean?
Stratum is a noun that means a bed or layer artificially made. It can also mean a sheetlike mass of sedimentary rock or earth of one kind lying between beds of other kinds.
Quick Facts About Stratum
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈstrā-təm/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | caste, class and estate |
| Plural | strata |
| First known use | 1599 |
Stratum Definition (Noun)
- a bed or layer artificially made
A stratum of sand overlying a different base soil, particularly in an artillery work, might indicate the use of sandbags.
- a sheetlike mass of sedimentary rock or earth of one kind lying between beds of other kinds
geological stratum
- a region of the sea or atmosphere that is analogous to a stratum of the earth
… cold water upwelling from deeper strata.
- a layer of tissue
deep stratum of the skin
- a layer in which archaeological material (such as artifacts, skeletons, and dwelling remains) is found on excavation
- a part of a historical or sociological series representing a period or a stage of development
The phrase is found only in the … older stratum of the book of Samuel …
- a socioeconomic level of society comprising persons of the same or similar status especially with regard to education or culture
the upper/lower stratum of society
- one of a series of layers, levels, or gradations in an ordered system
strata of thought
- a statistical subpopulation
Synonyms of Stratum
Antonyms of Stratum
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Stratum in a Sentence
A stratum of sand overlying a different base soil, particularly in an artillery work, might indicate the use of sandbags.
geological stratum
… cold water upwelling from deeper strata.
deep stratum of the skin
The phrase is found only in the … older stratum of the book of Samuel …
the upper/lower stratum of society
strata of thought
the lower strata of society have been hit especially hard by this economic downturn
the level of writing in that pop novel is several strata beneath that of serious fiction
Word Forms & Grammar
stra·ta
strata
stratum
stratums
stratum (plural strata or (rare) stratums)
Words That Rhyme With Stratum
Origin of Stratum
Origin 1: New Latin, from Latin, spread, bed, from neuter of stratus, past participle of sternere to spread out strew
Origin 2: Borrowed 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”). Doublet of estrade and street.
First Known Use
1599
Pronouncing Stratum
You say stratum as /ˈstrā-təm/. It has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (strā).
Frequently Asked Questions About Stratum
What part of speech is stratum?
Stratum is a noun.
What is another word for stratum?
Close synonyms of stratum are caste, class and estate. See the full list of stratum synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of stratum?
The plural of stratum is strata.