Plural of stratum; distinct layers or levels, especially in geological formations, society, or organizational structures.
From Latin 'stratum' meaning 'something spread out' or 'a covering', from 'sternere' meaning 'to spread'. Geological usage developed in the 18th century with the birth of modern geology, while social strata usage emerged from sociological theory in the 19th century.
Strata beautifully captures how both rocks and societies form in layers over time - geological strata tell Earth's history while social strata reveal how cultures organize themselves. The word's ability to work in both physical and abstract contexts makes it uniquely powerful.
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