/
ˈstrɑːtəm,
ˈstreɪtəm/
n.
(pl. strata
/-tə/
)
- a layer or a series of layers of rock.
- a thin layer within any structure.
- a level or class of society.
Usage
In English, as in the original Latin, stratum is singular and its plural form is strata. It is therefore incorrect to use strata as a singular or to create the form stratas as the plural: a series of overlying strata not a series of overlying stratas, and a new stratum was uncovered not a new strata was uncovered.
Etymology
C16: mod. L., from L., lit. ‘something spread or laid down’, neut. past part. of sternere ‘strew’.
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