substratum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a surface on which an organism grows or is attached
    substrate.
    • the gardener talked about the proper substrate for acid-loving plants
  2. noun any stratum or layer lying underneath another
    substrate.
  3. noun an indigenous language that contributes features to the language of an invading people who impose their language on the indigenous population
    substrate.
    • the Celtic languages of Britain are a substrate for English

WordNet

Sub*stra"tum noun
Etymology
L. substratus, p.p. of substernere to strew under; sub under + sternere to strew. See Stratum.
Wordforms
plural Substrata
Definitions
  1. That which is laid or spread under; that which underlies something, as a layer of earth lying under another; specifically (Agric.), the subsoil.
  2. (Metaph.) The permanent subject of qualities or cause of phenomena; substance.

Webster 1913