/ ˈstrætɪfaɪ; NAmE / verb
( strati·fies , strati·fy·ing , strati·fied , strati·fied ) [ vn ] [ usually passive ] ( formal or technical ) to arrange sth in layers or strata :
a highly stratified society
stratified rock
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French stratifier , based on Latin stratum , literally something spread or laid down , neuter past participle of sternere strew.