/strat'euh fi kay"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the act or an instance of stratifying.
2. a stratified state or appearance: the stratification of ancient ruins from eight different periods.
3. Sociol. the hierarchical or vertical division of society according to rank, caste, or class: stratification of feudal society.
4. Geol.
a. formation of strata; deposition or occurrence in strata.
b. a stratum.
[ 1610-20; stratification- (s. of stratificatio ). See STRATI-, -FICATION ]