Stratum

/ˈstreɪtəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A layer or level, often used in the context of geological or social hierarchies.
The geologist carefully examined each stratum of rock to understand the formation's history.
A group or class of people with similar social, economic, or educational characteristics.
The study focused on the effects of education within different social strata.
A sheet, layer, or level of material, as in biological sediment or tissue.
The archaeologists uncovered a stratum rich in artifacts from the ancient civilization.
In medicine, a layer of tissue or cell covering a surface or a bodily organ.
The outer stratum of the skin protects the underlying layers from damage.
In statistical analysis, a subset of a population used for sampling.
The researchers divided the participants into strata to ensure diverse representation.

Etymology

Latin, meaning 'layer' or 'bed'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

stratum of society:
A specific layer or class within a societal hierarchy.
geological stratum:
A distinct layer of rock or soil in geology.
social stratum:
A level or class in a society.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Social class
He's from the upper stratum of society.
Layer of complexity
There are multiple strata to his argument.