substratum
noun/səbˈstrɑ.təm/ · /səbˈstreɪ̯.təm/
Etymology Learned borrowing from New Latin substrātum, nominalisation of the neuter of Latin substrātus, perfect passive participle of substernō. By surface analysis, sub- + stratum.
1
A layer that lies underneath another.
2
Figuratively The underlying cause or basis of something.
- However exaggerated an estimate this might be, the substratum of truth was solid and auriferous enough to dazzle the imagination.1914, Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados:
3
Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences A substrate.
- Derived terms
- substrate
- Related terms
- substratal