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stratification

[strat-uh-fi-key-shuh n]
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noun
  1. the act or an instance of stratifying.
  2. a stratified state or appearance: the stratification of ancient ruins from eight different periods.
  3. Also called social stratification. Sociology. the hierarchical or vertical division of society according to rank, caste, or class: stratification of feudal society.
  4. Geology.
    1. formation of strata; deposition or occurrence in strata.
    2. a stratum.
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Origin of stratification

First recorded in 1610–20, stratification is from the Medieval Latin word strātificātiōn- (stem of strātificātiō). See strati-, -fication
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for stratification

stratification

noun
  1. the arrangement of sedimentary rocks in distinct layers (strata), each layer representing the sediment deposited over a specific period
  2. the act of stratifying or state of being stratified
  3. sociol See social stratification
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Derived Formsstratificational, adjective

Word Origin

C17 (in the obsolete sense: the act of depositing in layers) and C18 (in the current senses): from New Latin strātificātiōnem, from stratificāre to stratify
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for stratification

n.

1610s, from Modern Latin stratificationem (nominative stratificatio), noun of action from past participle stem of stratificare "to form strata," from stratum "thing spread out" + root of facere "to make" (see factitious).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
stratification in Medicine

stratification

(străt′ə-fĭ-kā′shən)
n.
  1. An arrangement in layers or strata.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
stratification in Science

stratification

[străt′ə-fĭ-kā′shən]
  1. Formation or deposition of layers, as of rock, sediments, or atmospheric regions.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
stratification in Culture

stratification

The process by which materials form or are deposited in layers, as in sedimentary rocks and some igneous rocks.

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Note

The atmosphere and the ocean also exhibit stratification, with the warmer air or water occupying the upper layers.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.