stratification

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the formation, arrangement, or classification of something into distinct layers

   The cliff reveals the stratification of sediments deposited over millions of years.

2. 2
   noun

   the division of a society into ranked social classes or groups

   The study examines how wealth reinforces social stratification.

3. 3
   noun

   the separation of water, air, or another fluid into layers of different temperature, density, or composition

   Summer heating causes strong thermal stratification in the lake.

4. 4
   noun

   the treatment of seeds under moist, usually cold conditions to break dormancy and encourage germination

   The hawthorn seeds require several months of cold stratification before planting.

Common collocations

• social stratification Adjective + noun

Formed from stratum (Latin for a spread-out layer or covering) + -ification ("the process of making"). Its scientific and social senses share the idea of organizing material or people into distinguishable levels.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images