noun

stratification

strat-ih-fih-KAY-shuhn/ˌstrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/

The arrangement of something in successive layers.

The glass jar shows clear stratification of sand, gravel, and soil.

A clear glass jar contains four distinct horizontal layers of pale sand, red sand, fine gravel and dark soil, with a little scoop adding the top layer.

Etymology

stratiLatinthing spread out; layer

+ficLatinto make

+ationLatinaction or process

The pieces describe the process of making layers. Applied to society, that physical arrangement becomes a way of describing people organized into distinct levels or classes.

In context

SALT7:07

i had a great middle class upbringing i'm not i would never dishonor him by saying that i didn't but you you definitely can see the stratification that happens in a society related to wealth

Al Sharpton: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads | SALT Talks #256

More examples

Stratification in the cliff reveals successive layers of sediment.
Temperature differences cause stratification in the lake, with warmer water above colder water.
Social stratification places people in groups ranked by wealth or status.

Forms

stratification · stratifications

stratify verb — To form or arrange something in layers.

Similar words

layering: An everyday term for forming or arranging things in layers.
lamination: Usually involves bonding thin layers together into one material.