layer

Everyday

1. A layer is one flat level of something lying on top of or under another, like a layer of a cake. tree →
2. A layer is a thin covering over a surface, like a layer of dust or paint. tree →
3. To layer is to put things in layers, like layering clothes in cold weather. tree →
4. A layer is a hen that lays eggs. tree →

In the lessons

equal levels: things in each layer × layers; a cake or box with layers; in science: the Earth has layers (crust, mantle, core), rocks form in layers, the air has layers; in everyday life: wear layers when it is cold; phrases: «a layer of», «the ozone layer», «layer cake»

Examples

• The cake has 3 layers. tree →
• Each layer of the box holds 12 eggs. tree →
• The wall has 20 layers of bricks. tree →
• How many cans are in 4 layers? tree →
• A thin layer of dust covered the old book. tree →
• The Earth has three main layers: crust, mantle and core. tree →
• Wear layers on a cold day so you can take one off. tree →
• The ozone layer protects us from the Sun's rays. tree →
• Put a layer of jam between the two cakes. tree →
• Then the magpie put another layer of mud over the twigs. tree →

Note

Layers are equal groups: total = layers × in each layer. A box of 4 layers of 3 rows of 5 holds 4 × 3 × 5. Countable: a layer, two layers.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The layer of dew around the manna is read as a protection, with dew above and below, to keep it fresh. In the primary lessons: equal levels: things in each layer × layers; a cake or box with layers; in science: the Earth has layers (crust, mantle, core), rocks form in layers, the air has layers; in everyday life: wear layers when it is cold; phrases: «a layer of», «the ozone layer», «layer cake»

Examples

• And when the layer of dew was gone up, behold upon the face of the wilderness a fine, scale-like thing, fine as the hoar-frost on the ground. (Torah EXO.16.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And it came to pass at even, that the quails came up, and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew round about the camp. (Torah EXO.16.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Meroz has associated these ‘three books’ with what she regards to be the three original textual layers of the SY, woven together after their composition into a single work by an editor. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Layers are equal groups: total = layers × in each layer. A box of 4 layers of 3 rows of 5 holds 4 × 3 × 5. Countable: a layer, two layers.