stratification

[ strat-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

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 social stratification. 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.

stratification

/ ˌstrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

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

stratification

/ străt′ə-fĭ-kā′shən /

1. Formation or deposition of layers, as of rock, sediments, or atmospheric regions.

stratification

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

Notes

The atmosphere and the ocean also exhibit stratification, with the warmer air or water occupying the upper layers.

Derived Forms

• ˌstratifiˈcational, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratification¹

First recorded in 1610–20, stratification is from the Medieval Latin word strātificātiōn- (stem of strātificātiō ). See strati-, -fication

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratification¹

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

Example Sentences

"However, a diagnosis of the underlying pathology is required for the development of therapies and for stratifying patients according to their disease. Only such stratification allows targeted and therefore potentially effective disease-modifying treatments to be tested," continues Schneider, who is also affiliated with the University of Bonn.

From Science Daily

The stratification that normally occurs at the end of September was stable.

From Science Daily

Such risk stratification could help to offer further early detection tests to those people who would benefit most.

From Science Daily

The underlying hope is that in future, a certain number of tests could detect more cancers following risk stratification, with people at low risk could be avoided unnecessary tests and false-positive results and overdiagnosis could be prevented.

From Science Daily

But those who do may be pleasantly impressed by the way the show that ignores the truth of racial stratification in early 1800s Britain is offering a few thoughts about the pride and benefit of work.

From Salon