substratum

noun

sub·​stra·​tum ˈsəb-ˌstrā-təm 

-ˌstra-;

ˌsəb-ˈstrā-,

-ˈstra-

plural substrata 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 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

substratal

ˈsəb-ˌstrā-tᵊl 

-ˌstra-;

ˌsəb-ˈstrā-

-ˈstra-

adjective

Examples of substratum in a Sentence

drilled into the bedrock substratum

Recent Examples on the Web

This has led to the fairly obvious conclusion that this substratum of Disney’s movie-making is nothing more than brand promotion and capital gain. —Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 20 May 2025

This was a copy of Mikhail’s unpublished autobiography, Leila explained, the substratum to his monumental Histoire de Baalbek’s six editions. —Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

If the substratum of the local and the vernacular is being erased in a metaphorical but also very literal sense by a voracious and extractive economic order, then the global subaltern’s rage must be given a voice and a place. —Manuel Borja-Villel, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024

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

Precisely, the Uygurs are descended from Northeast Asian Turks, who assimilated an Indo-European speaking substratum. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2012

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1631, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for substratum

• erratum
• striatum
• atom
• datum
• stratum
• heteroatom
• petrolatum

Kids Definition

substratum

noun

sub·​stra·​tum ˈsəb-ˌstrāt-əm 

-ˌstrat-

: an underlying support or layer: as

a

: the material of which something is made

b

: a layer beneath the surface layer of soil : subsoil

c

: substrate sense b

Medical Definition

substratum

noun

sub·​stra·​tum ˈsəb-ˌstrāt-əm, -ˌstrat-, ˈsəb-ˈ 

plural substrata -ə 

1

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

2

: substrate sense 2