transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈstrā-təm, ˈstra- ]
noun
( plural stra·ta ˈstrā-tə, ˈstra-)
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, spread, bed, from neuter of stratus, past participle of sternere to spread out — more at strew
Date: 1599
1. : a bed or layer artificially made
2.
a. : a sheetlike mass of sedimentary rock or earth of one kind lying between beds of other kinds
b. : a region of the sea or atmosphere that is analogous to a stratum of the earth
c. : a layer of tissue
deep stratum of the skin
d. : a layer in which archaeological material (as artifacts, skeletons, and dwelling remains) is found on excavation
3.
a. : a part of a historical or sociological series representing a period or a stage of development
b. : a socioeconomic level of society comprising persons of the same or similar status especially with regard to education or culture
4. : one of a series of layers, levels, or gradations in an ordered system
strata of thought
5. : a statistical subpopulation
Usage:
The plural strata has occasionally been used as a singular since the 18th century and is sometimes given the plural stratas
there was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of — Ezra Pound
a Roman burial ground suggests stratas of corruption and decay — Connie Fletcher, Booklist
Current evidence shows senses 2, 3b, and 4 so used, with 3b the most common. Singular strata is persistent but not frequent. Strata may someday establish itself as a singular like agenda, but that use is still not established.