tier

 
Pronunciation: /tɪə/

noun

  • each in a series of rows or levels of a structure placed one above the other: a tier of seats [in combination]: the room was full of three-tier metal bunks
  • each of a number of successively overlapping ruffles or flounces on a garment: a full skirt gathered into three tiers
  • a level or grade within the hierarchy of an organization or system: companies have taken out a tier of management to save money

Derivatives

tiered

adjective

Origin:

late 15th century: from French tire 'sequence, order', from tirer 'elongate, draw'