Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
layer
/leɪə/
The primary image is one of stacking or superposition. It describes a physical arrangement where one thing sits atop another, creating a sense of depth, protection, or complexity. In a physical context, it implies thickness and coverage. Unlike a 'coat' which can be thin and singular, a 'layer' often suggests the potential for multiple additions (e.g., layering clothes or paint) to achieve a specific result. When used metaphorically or structurally, it refers to strata or levels of organization. This carries a connotation of hierarchy or hidden depth, where one must peel back or move through layers to reach a core truth or foundation. The avian usage (laying eggs) is a specialized agricultural term and feels distinct from the structural meaning, focusing on production rather than arrangement.
💬Trò chuyện
Did you separate the background elements into a new layer for the client build?
I'll get to it. David just dumped another rush job on me.
Ý nghĩa
A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material covering a surface.
"Apply a second layer of paint to the wall for better coverage."
A level of something that is arranged in layers; a stratum.
"The cake consisted of three layers of sponge and cream."
To arrange something in layers.
"She layered her clothing to stay warm in the winter cold."
Of a hen: to produce eggs.
"The chickens began to layer regularly in the spring."
Ví dụ
Just add one more layer of primer, okay?
I can't believe you forgot a layer of frosting!
You should layer your shirts if it's freezing out.
Wait, is this a double layer of gauze?
The cake has a thick layer of cream inside.
Stop! Don't layer that paint over the wet spot!
My hen finally started to layer this morning!
Ugh, there is a weird layer of grease here.
I always layer my necklaces for this look.
Is that a layer of dust on the baseboards?
Bối cảnh văn hóa
The Layered Meaning of 'Layer' in Culinary Art and Human Connection
Beyond its literal sense of one thing placed over another, the word 'layer' carries a profound weight in the culinary world and, by extension, in how we build human connections.
Think about a classic French onion soup. It's not just broth and onions; it's a meticulously constructed experience. The base layer of deeply caramelized onions, slow-cooked to a sweet, savory depth, is crucial. Then comes the rich, beefy broth, a liquid embrace. And finally, the crowning glory: a thick, crusty slice of bread, often toasted and smothered in Gruyère cheese, creating a molten, bubbly layer that bridges the soup and the diner. Each component is a distinct layer, yet together they form a harmonious whole, far greater than the sum of its parts. Removing or altering any single layer would fundamentally change the dish.
This culinary layering mirrors the way we build relationships. We don't instantly know someone completely. Instead, we peel back the layers. There's the initial, superficial layer – the first impression, the polite conversation. As trust builds, we might reveal a second layer – our interests, our hobbies, our everyday experiences. Deeper still lie the layers of our values, our vulnerabilities, our past traumas, and our innermost dreams. True intimacy is achieved when multiple layers are shared and understood, creating a rich, complex, and enduring connection.
Just as a chef carefully considers the order and quality of each layer in a dish, we too navigate the layers of human interaction. Some relationships remain on the surface, with only a few layers explored. Others become deep, intricate tapestries woven from shared experiences and mutual understanding. The word 'layer' reminds us that complexity, whether in food or friendship, often yields the most rewarding results.