layers
|lay/ers|
🇺🇸
/ˈleɪɚz/
🇬🇧
/ˈleɪəz/
(layer)
covering sheet
Etymology
'layer' originates from Middle English (late 14th–15th century) 'laier' or 'layere', built from the verb 'lay' + the agent/nominal suffix '-er'.
'lay' itself comes from Old English 'lecgan' (to place, put), which through Middle English forms (layen, laien) produced the verb 'lay' and then the noun/agent-form with '-er' to make 'laier/layere', eventually becoming modern English 'layer'.
Initially formed as 'one who lays' or 'that which lays/places'; over time a specialized sense meaning 'a sheet or stratum' developed and became common (e.g., geological or material layers).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'layer': a sheet, stratum, or thickness of material (natural or man-made) lying over or under other such sheets; e.g., geological or painted layers.
The canyon reveals many layers of rock.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
plural form of 'layer' meaning an animal or person that lays eggs — commonly used for hens kept for egg production.
The farm kept several layers for egg production.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/02 14:14