stratification
n. uncountablen. the process of dividing something into layers. In nature, this often describes how soil or water is organized, or how people in a society are ranked.
n. the formation of layers or strata in a substance or system. In social sciences, it refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups within a society.
The soil shows clear signs of stratification after the rain.
The lake's thermal stratification prevents the mixing of oxygen-rich surface water with the deeper, colder layers.
Sociologists argue that economic stratification has increased significantly over the last decade, leading to a more pronounced divide between the wealthy and the working class.
From stratum + -ification.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 28, 2026