Kihilisus

Kihilisus is a term used to describe the arrangement or organization of elements in discrete layers or strata within a system. The word combines kiht, Estonian for "layer," with the suffix -lus to form an abstract noun. The concept is used to analyze how properties differ across layers and how interfaces influence overall behavior.

In geology and geosciences, kihilisus refers to sedimentary layering and stratification produced by deposition over time, with variations in grain size, composition, or mineralogy. In materials science, it describes multilayer coatings or laminates where distinct layers provide specific optical, mechanical, or electrical properties. In biology, layered tissues, such as stratified epithelia, exhibit kihilisus in the arrangement of cells by layers. In sociology, the term can describe social stratification and the distribution of resources or statuses across population layers.

Methods to study kihilisus include cross-sectional imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffusion or transport modeling that account for layer-specific parameters. Analysis often focuses on layer thickness, interface roughness, and continuity between layers, as well as how processes such as deposition, erosion, or growth alter the layering over time. The concept highlights how emergent properties arise from layered structure, rather than from homogeneous mixtures.

See also: Stratification, Layering, Laminate, Multilayer coating, Tissues. The term kihilisus should be defined within its disciplinary context to avoid ambiguity and ensure consistent interpretation across fields.