stratigraphy

[ struh-tig-ruh-fee ]

noun

1. a branch of geology dealing with the classification, nomenclature, correlation, and interpretation of stratified rocks.

stratigraphy

/ strəˈtɪɡrəfə; strəˈtɪɡrəfɪ; ˌstrætɪˈɡræfɪk; strəˈtɪɡrəfɪst /

noun

1. the study of the composition, relative positions, etc, of rock strata in order to determine their geological history stratig
2. archaeol a vertical section through the earth showing the relative positions of the human artefacts and therefore the chronology of successive levels of occupation

stratigraphy

/ strə-tĭg′rə-fē /

1. The scientific study of rock strata, especially the distribution, deposition, correlation, and age of sedimentary rocks.

Derived Forms

• stratigraphic, adjective
• stratigrapher, noun

Other Words From

• stra·tigra·pher stra·tigra·phist noun
• strat·i·graph·ic [strat-i-, graf, -ik], strati·graphi·cal adjective
• strati·graphi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratigraphy¹

First recorded in 1860–65; strati- + -graphy

Example Sentences

He made original and important observations on stratification, and laid down some of the fundamental axioms in stratigraphy.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter paper should be carefully read by all students of the stratigraphy of the Lower Palozoic Rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

A medal was awarded for a sheet of thirteen sections illustrating the stratigraphy of Vermont and New Hampshire.

From Project Gutenberg

Stratigraphy and paleontology are concerned with the sedimentary and life history of the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

It must always be remembered that the evidence is primarily one of stratigraphy.

From Project Gutenberg