Definition of tier

The origin of the word "tier" can be traced back to the Middle English language, where it was spelled "tyere" or "tyyrre." This word had different meanings, including "a clearing in a forest" and "a level or platform for anything, especially for people or animals to stand or sit on," which is the sense that still exists today. The word "tier" ultimately derives from the Old French "tyere" or "tiere," which meant "floor" or "platform." This French word in turn comes from the Latin "terra," which means "earth" or "ground." The Latin word was used specifically to describe the earth or floor as it related to buildings or structures, and this meaning was incorporated into the French and Middle English vocabulary. In the context of buildings and structures, "tier" came to refer specifically to a level, platform or gallery designed to hold people or things, such as stairs or benches. This meaning is still common today, and the word is commonly used in architecture, engineering, and construction to describe the different levels or platforms within a building or other structure. Its related forms, such as "tiered" or "tiered seating," are also commonly used to describe different types of structures or arrangements. In summary, the word "tier" has its roots in the Middle English language, where it referred to a level or platform, and it ultimately derives from the Old French "tyere" or "tiere," which derived from the Latin "terra." Today, the word is commonly used in architecture, engineering, and construction to describe different levels or platforms within a building or structure, and its related forms continue to be used in a variety of contexts.