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Webster 1913 Edition


Stratum

Stra′tum

,
Noun.
;
pl. E.
Stratums
(#)
, L.
Strata
(#)
. The latter is more common.
[L., from
sternere
,
stratum
, to spread; akin to Gr. [GREEK] to spread, strew. See
Strew
, and cf.
Consternation
,
Estrade
,
Prostrate
,
Stratus
,
Street
.]
1.
(Geol.)
A bed of earth or rock of one kind, formed by natural causes, and consisting usually of a series of layers, which form a rock as it lies between beds of other kinds. Also used figuratively.
2.
A bed or layer artificially made; a course.

Webster 1828 Edition


Stratum

STRATUM

,
Noun.
plu.
stratums or strata. The latter is most common. [L., to spread or lay.]
1.
In geology and mineralogy, a layer; any species of earth, sand, coal and the like, arranged in a flat form, distinct from the adjacent matter. The thicker strata are called beds; and these beds are sometimes stratified.
2.
A bed or layer artificially made.