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Definition of stratum noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

stratum

noun
 
/ˈstrɑːtəm/
 
/ˈstreɪtəm/
(plural strata
 
/ˈstrɑːtə/
 
/ˈstreɪtə/
)
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  1. (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.
  2. (formal) a class in a society
    • people from all social strata
    Topics People in societyc2
    More Like This Easily-confused plural/​singular formsEasily-confused plural/​singular forms
    3. 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’.
See stratum in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee stratum in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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