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.
2. A bed or layer artificially made; a
course.