substratum

[ suhb-strey-tuh m, -strat-uh m, suhb-strey-tuh m, -strat-uh m ]
/ ˈsʌbˌstreɪ təm, -ˌstræt əm, sʌbˈstreɪ təm, -ˈstræt əm /

noun, plural sub·stra·ta [suhb-strey-tuh, -strat-uh, -suhb-strey-tuh, -strat-uh] /ˈsʌbˌstreɪ tə, -ˌstræt ə, -sʌbˈstreɪ tə, -ˈstræt ə/, sub·stra·tums.

Compare superstratum.

Origin of substratum

From New Latin, dating back to 1625–35; see origin at sub-, stratum

OTHER WORDS FROM substratum

sub·stra·tive, sub·stra·tal, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for substratum

British Dictionary definitions for substratum

substratum
/ (sʌbˈstrɑːtəm, -ˈstreɪ-) /

noun plural -strata (-ˈstrɑːtə, -ˈstreɪtə)

Derived forms of substratum

substrative or substratal, adjective

Word Origin for substratum

C17: from New Latin, from Latin substrātus strewn beneath, from substernere to spread under, from sub- + sternere to spread

Scientific definitions for substratum

substratum
[ sŭbstrā′təm, -străt′əm ]

Plural substrata substratums

An underlying layer or stratum.
A surface on which an organism grows or is attached; a substrate.