stratified

1 of 2

adjective

strat·​i·​fied ˈstra-tə-ˌfīd 

1

: formed, deposited, or arranged in stable layers or strata

Such forced ascent of stable air leads to the formation of a stratified cloud layer that is large horizontally compared to its thickness.

—Frederick K. Lutgens et al.

The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium forming the barrier that excludes harmful microbes and retains body fluids.

—Terry Lechler et al.

2

: divided into social classes

Through farming and fishing, they supported a dense population and highly stratified society that constructed irrigation canals, pyramids, palaces, and temples.

—Christopher B. Donnan

stratified

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of stratify

Examples of stratified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This latest Dystopian Future World That Reflects Our Own is comprised of what-else-but rigidly stratified class structures, bespoke genetic engineering available only to the wealthiest, and super-sentient artificial intelligence. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Since very few larger organisms (worms and clams excepted) can live in mud, mud makes an excellent medium for studying past climates by examining the stratified sediments at the bottom of water bodies. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2026

In the new format, the reward system is far more stratified based on regular season table finish. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

If human organs remain clinically preferable, xenotransplantation may generate stratified access to transplantation. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 20 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stratified

• stratified charge engine

Rhymes for stratified

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Medical Definition

stratified

adjective

strat·​i·​fied ˈstrat-ə-ˌfīd 

: arranged in layers

especially : of, relating to, or being an epithelium consisting of more than one layer of cells