stratification

noun

strat·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌstra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of stratifying

b

: the state of being stratified

2

: a stratified formation

Did you know?

If you look for it, you'll find stratification almost everywhere. On a tall rain-forest tree, there may be different air plants clinging to it, different insects crawling on it, and different mammals making their homes at different levels. The earth beneath you may be stratified into several distinctive layers within the first 20 feet. If the wind you're feeling is moving at 10 miles per hour, at 30 feet above your head it may be 20 mph, and in the jet stream above that it may be 150 mph. If you climb a high mountain in Himalayas, you may begin in a lush, wet forest and end up in a windswept environment where not even lichen will grow.

Examples of stratification in a Sentence

the stratification of the Earth's crust

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, starting lavender from seed in winter is recommended because the seeds germinate best with cold stratification. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024

For a patient with an average risk stratification, a hormonal IUD can be a great option. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024

This will create the right conditions for stratification, which helps the seeds sprout. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2024

These seeds benefit from stratification, where spending a winter outside in the soil, exposed to cold temperatures promotes germination. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

stratification

noun

strat·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌstrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of arranging or becoming arranged in layers or strata

2

: the state of being arranged in layers or strata

Medical Definition

stratification

noun

strat·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌstrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: arrangement or formation in layers or strata

stratification of epithelial cells