substratum

noun

Save Word

sub·stra·tum | \ ˈsəb-ˌstrā-təm

, -ˌstra-; ˌsəb-ˈstrā-, -ˈstra- \

plural substrata\ ˈsəb-ˌstrā-tə

, -ˌstra- ; ˌsəb-ˈstrā- , -ˈstra- \

Definition of substratum

: 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 sense 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

Other Words from substratum Example Sentences Learn More About substratum

Examples of substratum in a Sentence

drilled into the bedrock substratum

Recent Examples on the Web The suffix -core comes from hard core, which at first (1841) referred to broken bricks or stones that formed the hard substratum of roads and foundations. — Melissa Mohr, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2022 Sessions is speaking to a real perception of a significant substratum of the American citizenry. — Christopher Shea, Vox, 1 Aug. 2018 Severance occurs when the tail tip adheres to the substratum and the rest of the planarian pulls away. — Chris Ciaccia, Fox News, 23 May 2018 Even here, though, abyssal tuba notes exposed a sonic substratum. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 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.