stratigraphy

noun

stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈti-grə-fē How to pronounce stratigraphy (audio)
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
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.
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 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stratigraphy was in 1841

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 How to pronounce stratigraphy (audio)
: geology that deals with the beginnings, composition, distribution, and succession of the layers of rock in the earth's crust

Medical Definition

stratigraphy

noun
stra·​tig·​ra·​phy strə-ˈtig-rə-fē How to pronounce stratigraphy (audio)
plural stratigraphies

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