tier

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tier / ti(ə)r/ • n. a row or level of a structure, typically one of a series of rows placed one above the other and successively receding or diminishing in size: a tier of seats| [in comb.] the room was full of three-tier metal bunks. ∎  one of a number of successively overlapping ruffles or flounces on a garment. ∎  a level or grade within the hierarchy of an organization or system: companies have taken out a tier of management to save money.DERIVATIVES: tiered / ti(ə)rd/ adj.

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