substratum

noun sub·stra·tum \ ˈsəb-ˌstrā-təm , -ˌstra- ; ˌsəb-ˈstrā- , -ˈstra- \

Examples: substratum in a Sentence

Definition of substratum

plural substrata play \ˈsəb-ˌstrā-tə, -ˌstra-; ˌsəb-ˈstrā-, -ˈstra-\

: an underlying support : foundation: such as

a : substance that is a permanent subject of qualities or phenomena

b : the material of which something is made and from which it derives its special qualities

c : a layer beneath the surface soil; specifically : subsoil

d : substrate 2

e linguistics : a component of a language (such as a part of its phonology, syntax, or lexicon) that remains from absorption of a pre-existing language in the region where the language is currently spoken

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substratal

play \ˈsəb-ˌstrā-tᵊl, -ˌstra-; ˌsəb-ˈstrā-, -ˈstra-\ adjective

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Examples of substratum in a Sentence

drilled into the bedrock substratum

Recent Examples of substratum from the Web

Severance occurs when the tail tip adheres to the substratum and the rest of the planarian pulls away.

— chris ciaccia, Fox News, "Massive 18-inch hammerhead worms are invading France," 23 May 2018
Even here, though, abyssal tuba notes exposed a sonic substratum.

— alex ross, The New Yorker, "The L.A. Philharmonic Celebrates Iceland," 21 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'substratum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of substratum

Medieval Latin, from Latin, neuter of substratus, past participle of substernere to spread under, from sub- + sternere to spread — more at strew

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First Known Use: 1631

in the meaning defined above

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