layer: Meaning and Definition of

lay•er

Pronunciation: (lā'ur), [key]
— n.
  1. a thickness of some material laid on or spread over a surface: a layer of soot on the window sill; two layers of paint.
  2. bed; stratum: alternating layers of basalt and sandstone.
  3. a person or thing that lays: a carpet layer.
  4. a hen kept for egg production.
  5. one of several items of clothing worn one on top of the other.
    1. a shoot or twig that is induced to root while still attached to the living stock, as by bending and covering with soil.
    2. a plant so propagated.
  6. a machine for laying rope or cable.
—v.t.
  1. to make a layer of.
  2. to form or arrange in layers.
  3. to arrange or wear (clothing) in layers: You can layer this vest over a blouse or sweater.
  4. to propagate by layering.
—v.i.
  1. to separate into or form layers.
  2. (of a garment) to permit of wearing in layers; be used in layering: Frilly blouses don't layer well.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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