Stratified
Stratified means organized into distinct layers or levels, where each layer holds unique properties. In this context, house dust isn't random but layered, with microbes in a bedroom differing from those in a kitchen just meters away.
'Stratified' describes a system organized into distinct layers or levels, where each layer has unique characteristics or properties. The term originates from geology, referring to rock formations, and is now used broadly in biology, sociology, and data science to denote hierarchical structures within a continuous whole.
What this means in real life
A stratified survey of voters might divide the population into age groups, then randomly sample from each group separately, ensuring the final results reflect the actual age distribution in the country.
What it isn’t
Not simply 'divided' or 'separated.' Stratification implies a meaningful hierarchy or ranking—layers that differ in a systematic way—not just any random split into groups.
Commonly misused online
Often used as a synonym for 'diverse' or 'mixed,' when it actually means organized into ranked or categorized layers. A 'stratified society' isn't just one with different people; it's one where groups occupy distinct social positions.