Etymology Map
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Stratum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a layer of rock; a social level

Where does the word "stratum" come from? It comes from Latin stratum, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
stratum
Latin · ancient
"something spread"
from 'sternere', to spread
2
Stage 2 of 2
stratum
English · 1590s
"layer"
'social strata' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Stratum’s story begins in Latin: stratum meant “something spread.” From 'sternere', to spread. It reached English by 1590s as stratum. 'social strata' dates from the 1800s. Today, stratum means a layer of rock; a social level.