What does the word substratum mean?

Usage examples for substratum

  1. Now, instead of showing Arthur what her substratum of shrewd sense enabled her to see, she ministered soothingly unto his vanity. – The Second Generation by David Graham Phillips
  2. But as the night of sleeplessness wore on, the substratum of practical sense in his character made itself felt. – The Mystery of Metropolisville by Edward Eggleston
  3. Mrs. Phillips felt offended, and, for the first time in her life, a little jealous- not very jealous, for she was so conscious of her own beauty, and so unconscious of her defects of mind and temper, that she had a strong substratum of confidence in her husband's affection- but at this time, Elsie was looking really very pretty; her movements were quick and graceful- a great contrast to Mrs. Phillips's slow, dignified, Juno- like deportment- and her conversation so sparkling and amusing, that she thought Mr. Phillips looked at her too much, and talked to her too much. – Mr. Hogarth's Will by Catherine Helen Spence