stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈti-grə-fē 

1

: geology that deals with the origin, composition, distribution, and succession of strata

2

: the arrangement of strata

Examples of stratigraphy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, the researchers conducted radiocarbon dating work on some of the remains, combining this with information from the stratigraphy (the sequence of burial) and dates for other materials found in the area. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

In the other camp are those who argue that the Anthropocene, pretty much by definition, lies outside the purview of stratigraphy. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024

These misconceptions lie at the heart, too, of the recent formal rejection of the Anthropocene epoch by the hierarchy of international stratigraphy. —Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

Under the rules of stratigraphy, each interval of Earth time needs a clear, objective starting point, one that applies worldwide. —Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stratigraphy

• biostratigraphy

Kids Definition

stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈtig-rə-fē 

: geology that deals with the beginnings, composition, distribution, and succession of the layers of rock in the earth's crust

Medical Definition

stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈtig-rə-fē 

plural stratigraphies

: tomography