-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
stratigraphy
noun
stra·tig·ra·phy
strə-ˈti-grə-fē
1
: geology that deals with the origin, composition, distribution, and succession of strata
2
: the arrangement of strata
Examples of stratigraphy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the other camp are those who argue that the Anthropocene, pretty much by definition, lies outside the purview of stratigraphy.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024
These misconceptions lie at the heart, too, of the recent formal rejection of the Anthropocene epoch by the hierarchy of international stratigraphy.
—Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Under the rules of stratigraphy, each interval of Earth time needs a clear, objective starting point, one that applies worldwide.
—Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024
Geology — and specifically stratigraphy, or the study of rock layers — had rolled back the age of the Earth by hundreds of millions of years.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 22 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for stratigraphy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near stratigraphy
Cite this Entry
“Stratigraphy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stratigraphy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
stratigraphy
noun
stra·tig·ra·phy
strə-ˈtig-rə-fē
: geology that deals with the beginnings, composition, distribution, and succession of the layers of rock in the earth's crust
Medical Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on stratigraphy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stratigraphy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share