echelon
1 of 1noun/ˈɛʃəlɑn/
Forms:echelons
1
a diffraction grating consisting of a pile of plates of equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset
2
a diagonal formation of things, especially used in military troops
3
a level or rank in an organization, profession, or society, indicating a person's status or authority within that hierarchy
- She worked hard for years to reach the upper echelons of the corporate world.
- His promotion moved him into the top echelon of academic researchers in his field.
- Her influential family belonged to the upper echelon of social circles in the city.
- Many young professionals aspire to climb the echelons of their respective fields to achieve greater recognition and success.