layer
English meaning: Layer
Definition
A single thickness of some material covering a surface.
Example
“After the first coat of paint dried, he applied another layer.”
Another example: “Wearing several thin layers keeps you warmer than one thick coat.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common, neutral noun for a single thickness of material spread over a surface, or one level in a layered structure (geology, biology, computing, cooking). Also a verb ('layer the cake'). Used attributively in 'layer cake', 'ozone layer'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'lay' (Old English 'lecgan', to put down) + '-er'; the sense of a stratum is recorded from the 17th century.
Related Words
- blubber
- osi
- epidermis
- hyphae
- layers
- epithelium
- tcp
- thickness
- ethernet
- protocols
Common Collocations
- top layer
- outer layer
- layer of dust
- ozone layer
- add a layer
- protective layer
Word Forms
layer (n & v); layers; layered; layering
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B