Word
strata
Phoneticsstra·ta, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɹætə/
UK/stɹˈɑːtɐ/
Definitions
01layers of rock or society
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Science Academic · Technical
n. the plural form of 'stratum', meaning several layers of rock, soil, or levels in a social group.
n. the plural form of stratum; refers to horizontal layers of sedimentary rock or distinct social classes within a population.
“Scientists studied the different strata of rock to understand the earth's history.”
“The archaeological excavation revealed distinct cultural strata, each providing evidence of the various civilizations that had occupied the site over two millennia.”
Usage
While 'strata' is technically plural, it is occasionally used as a singular collective noun in non-standard speech.
02a layered casserole dish
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking American English
n. a North American dish made of layers of bread, eggs, and cheese, usually baked in the oven.
n. a layered casserole in American cuisine, typically consisting of bread, eggs, and cheese, often prepared ahead of time to allow the bread to soak.
“We prepared a vegetable strata on Saturday night to bake for Sunday breakfast.”
“The brunch menu featured a savory spinach and feta strata, which had been chilled overnight to ensure the custard was fully absorbed by the sourdough layers.”
Synonyms
03condominium property
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Dialect
n. a type of property ownership where you own your unit but share the building and land with others.
n. a form of property title and ownership involving individual units within a multi-unit complex, with shared ownership of common areas.
“They decided to buy a strata in the city center to be closer to work.”
“The strata council met to discuss the rising costs of maintaining the building's exterior and shared garden spaces.”
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to certain dialects, most notably in Western Canada (British Columbia) and Australia.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Fossil plants in the Marshybank strata include gymnosperms (for example, conifers, cycads and ginkgos), ferns and horsetails.” “During the 1990s, a new strata of independent film studios and distributors revitalised the Hollywood movie machine.” Etymology
From strata title.
The bread is layered with the filling to produce strata (layers).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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