stratify

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to form, arrange, or deposit something in distinct layers

   Repeated floods stratify the sediment into visible layers.

2. 2
   verb

   to divide people or data into ranked or defined groups

   The analysis will stratify participants by age and income.

3. 3
   verb

   to expose seeds to controlled moist and cold conditions so that they can germinate

   Gardeners stratify the seeds in damp sand before spring planting.

From New Latin stratificare, built from Latin stratum, 'a layer or covering,' and -ificare, 'to make'; compare French stratifier. The social sense extends the physical image of layers to ranked groups.

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