1. Single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
   "slices of hard-boiled egg on a layer of spinach";
   - bed
    
2. A relatively thin sheetlike expanse or region lying over or under another
   "The archaeologists carefully removed each layer of sediment"
    
3. An abstract place usually conceived as having depth
   "a simile has at least two layers of meaning";
   - level, stratum
    
4. Thin structure composed of a single thickness of cells
   "The epithelial layer forms a protective barrier on the skin"
    
5. A hen that lays eggs
   "The farmer kept a flock of layers to ensure a steady supply of fresh eggs"

1. Make or form a layer
   "layer the different coloured sands"

Derived forms: layers, layering, layered

Type of: anatomical structure, artefact [Brit], artifact [N. Amer], biddy, bodily structure, body structure, complex body part, forge, form, hen, mold [N. Amer], mould [Brit, Cdn], part, place, region, shape, structure, work

Part of: laminate

Encyclopedia: Layer, Christopher