-fē, -fi noun
( -es )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary strati- + -graphy
1. : the arrangement of strata especially as to position and order of sequence
2. : the branch of geology that deals with the origin, composition, distribution, and succession of strata
3. : the determination of time sequence in the culture and physical types of peoples by study of the relative locations of the layers of material that are found in archaeological excavation — compare shard