1. to form or arrange in layers or strata
2. to divide into social classes or groups based on status, wealth, or other factors
Usage: sociology

Examples

• The sediment stratifies naturally over thousands of years.
• Heat stratifies the air in the room, with warm air rising to the ceiling.
• The education system often stratifies students by academic ability.
• Income inequality stratifies society into distinct economic classes.
• The lake water stratifies in summer, creating distinct temperature layers.
• Social media usage stratifies along generational lines.
• The rock formation clearly stratifies into visible geological periods.