Definition

1. Noun:
   • A layer or a series of layers of material, especially one of several parallel layers: This refers to a distinct, horizontal level of material lying between other levels, commonly found in geology (rock), biology (tissue), or archaeology.
   • A level or class in a hierarchical system, especially of society: This refers to a socioeconomic group whose members share similar status, wealth, or education.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Geological/Biological Layer): A stratum of clay lies beneath the topsoil. The archaeologist carefully brushed away dirt to reveal a stratum containing ancient tools. The epidermis is the outermost stratum of the skin.

• Noun (Social Class): He comes from a wealthy stratum of society. The policy aimed to improve conditions for the lowest economic stratum. The survey sampled opinions from every social stratum.

Advanced Usage

• "on a different stratum": Belonging to a completely different level or class, often implying incomparability.
• In a figurative or abstract sense: Used to describe levels of meaning, thought, or consciousness.

Variants and Related Words

• Strata (n): The most common plural form of "stratum."
• Stratify (v): To form, arrange, or divide into strata or social classes.
• Stratification (n): The state of being arranged in social strata or layers.
• Stratigraphic (adj): Relating to the study of rock strata (stratigraphy).

Synonyms

• Layer: A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body.
• Level: A position on a scale of amount, quantity, extent, or quality; can also be a relative position in a hierarchy.
• Tier: One of a series of rows or levels placed one above and behind the other.
• Class: A system of ordering society whereby people are divided into sets based on perceived social or economic status.
• Echelon: A level or rank in an organization, profession, or society.

Related Phrases

• "across all strata": Encompassing every level or class within a system.

Noun

1. an abstract place usually conceived as having depth
   • a good actor communicates on several levels
   • a simile has at least two layers of meaning
   • the mind functions on many strata simultaneously
2. people having the same social, economic, or educational status
   • the working class
   • an emerging professional class
3. one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)