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stratum

Syllabification: (stra·tum)

Pronunciation: /ˈstrātəm, ˈstra-/

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Definition of stratum

noun (plural strata /ˈstrātə, ˈstra-/)

1a layer or a series of layers of rock in the ground:a stratum of flint
a thin layer within any structure:thin strata of air

2a level or class to which people are assigned according to their social status, education, or income:members of other social strata
Statistics a group into which members of a population are divided in stratified sampling.

Origin:

late 16th century (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'

In Latin, the word stratum is singular and its plural form is strata. In English, this distinction is maintained. It is therefore incorrect to use strata as a singular: a new stratum was uncovered (not a new strata was uncovered). It is also wrong to create the form stratums or stratas as the plural: a series of overlying strata (not overlying stratums or overlying stratas).

The plural of stratum is strata (as in the original Latin).

stratum in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of stratum in the British & World English dictionary

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