stratificata

Stratificata is the feminine singular past participle of the Italian verb stratificare, meaning formed by or arranged in layers. In Italian usage it functions as an adjective to describe something that shows stratification, the division into distinct layers or strata. The corresponding English term is stratified.

In geology and sedimentology, stratificata describes rocks or sediments that display clear layering due to deposition, sedimentary processes, or metamorphism. Examples include stratified sedimentary rocks such as sandstone with bedding planes and stratified soils that exhibit distinct horizons formed by differences in composition and texture.

In biology and anatomy, stratificata appears in phrases such as epitelio stratificato, referring to stratified epithelia composed of multiple cell layers. This use highlights structural organization rather than a single, uniform layer.

In materials science and engineering, stratificata can describe layered or laminated materials where different substances are stacked to produce composite properties, such as stratified glass, laminated wood, or multi-layer coatings.

In statistics and social sciences, the concept appears in Italian as popolazione stratificata or campione stratificato, describing stratified populations or stratified sampling, where the population is divided into subgroups that are sampled separately to improve representativeness.

Etymology and usage notes: stratificata derives from stratificazione and stratificare, both rooted in the idea of layering. In English contexts, the direct adjective is stratified, whereas stratificata is primarily encountered in Italian-language texts or bilingual discussions.