Stra"tum (?), n.; pl. E. Stratums (#), L. Strata (#). The latter is
more common. [L., from sternere, stratum, to spread; akin to Gr. &?; to
spread, strew. See Strew, and cf. Consternation, Estrade, Prostrate,
Stratus, Street.] 1. (Geol.) A bed of earth or rock of one kind, formed
by natural causes, and consisting usually of a series of layers, which
form a rock as it lies between beds of other kinds. Also used
figuratively.