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Layer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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layer

[หˆleษชษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

construction

A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body

Synonyms

coat, covering, sheet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
layer

Used to describe an individual level in a stack or a series of levels typically in materials, structures, or concepts.

  • The cake has three layers of chocolate
  • In Photoshop, you can add multiple layers to your image
coat

Refers to a single application or layer of a substance, typically paint or some form of covering, often used in maintenance or art.

  • Apply a coat of primer before painting
  • The car needs another coat of wax
covering

General term that can refer to any type of layer that serves to protect, conceal, or embellish an object or area, often used in home decor or clothing.

  • The sofa has a nice fabric covering
  • The floor needs a new covering due to the old one being worn out
sheet

Used to describe a flat, thin, and often rectangular piece of material, such as paper, metal, or fabric.

  • He slid a sheet of paper across the table
  • We need a sheet of metal to cover the hole

Examples of usage

  • The cake was covered in a thick layer of frosting
  • The painter applied a layer of primer before painting the walls
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A level of data abstraction that is used by a particular program or protocol

Synonyms

level, stratum, tier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
layer

Generally used to refer to a thickness or covering that is laid over a surface or between surfaces. Commonly used in the context of physical substances (like layers of a cake or geological layers) or abstractly (like layers of information).

  • She applied a layer of paint to the wall.
  • The Earth has multiple layers, including the crust, mantle, and core.
level

Used to refer to a specific height or position within a system or to measure the amount of something. Often associated with stages of progress, rank, or intensity.

  • He reached the next level in the game.
  • The water level in the tank is too low.
tier

Often used to refer to levels of a hierarchy, or layered seating arrangements. It can suggest a rank or status within an organization or system.

  • The wedding cake had three tiers.
  • Employees are divided into different tiers based on their roles and experience.
stratum

A term more likely to be used in geological, archaeological, or sociological contexts to refer to a layer or a series of layers of rock, earth, or social categories.

  • Archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts in a lower stratum.
  • Society is often divided into different strata based on income and education.

Examples of usage

  • The application uses a layer of encryption for secure communication
  • The network protocol operates at the transport layer
Context #3 | Verb

action

To arrange in layers

Synonyms

arrange, pile, stack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
layer

Use 'layer' when referring to a single level of material stacked on another.

  • The cake has multiple layers of chocolate and cream.
  • She applied several layers of paint to the wall.
stack

Use 'stack' when referring to items placed neatly on top of each other, often in an orderly manner.

  • She stacked the plates in the cupboard.
  • The boxes were stacked neatly in the corner.
pile

Use 'pile' when referring to stacking items in a casual, often messy manner. It can sometimes have a negative connotation when concerning disorder.

  • He piled his dirty clothes on the floor.
  • There's a pile of papers on my desk that I need to sort through.
arrange

Use 'arrange' when referring to placing things in a particular order or pattern, often for organizational purposes.

  • Please arrange the books on the shelf by genre.
  • She arranged the flowers in a vase.

Examples of usage

  • She layered the ingredients in the baking dish
  • The clothing designer layered the fabric to create a unique look

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In geology, layers of rock form over millions of years and tell the Earth's history based on their composition.
  • Biological organisms often have layered structures, like skin with its various 'layers' serving different functions.
  • In computer science, layering refers to systems designed in levels to separate different functions, enhancing organization and reliability.

Art

  • Layering is a common technique in painting, where artists apply different coats to create depth or texture.
  • In photography, layers can be used to create complex images by combining various elements or effects.
  • Collage art utilizes layered materials like paper, photographs, and fabric to create visually rich compositions.

Culinary Culture

  • Many dishes, like lasagna and casseroles, are prepared by layering ingredients for flavor and texture.
  • Pastries often involve layers of dough and filling, which contribute to their flaky texture.
  • In desserts, layers can add visual appeal and enhance the overall tasting experience, like with multi-layered cakes.

Psychology

  • Mental processes can be understood as layered, with different cognitive functions building on one another.
  • The concept of layering in personality suggests individuals are complex and composed of multiple facets.
  • Therapeutically, understanding layers of emotions can help individuals address deeper issues beneath surface feelings.

Origin of 'layer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'laier', meaning to lay down.
  • It was first recorded in English around the 14th century as a noun referring to a covering or coating.
  • The modern usage often reflects structures built in strata, as seen in geology and architecture.

The word 'layer' originated from the Old English word 'leger', meaning a bed or a couch. Over time, it evolved to refer to a sheet or thickness of material. The term has been used in various fields such as construction, technology, and fashion to describe different levels or arrangements of material or data.

See also: lay, layabout, layoff, layout, layover, mislay, outlay, outlays, relay.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,578, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.