altostratus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “altostratus” mean?
A mid-altitude, grey or bluish cloud layer that often covers the entire sky, composed of water droplets and ice crystals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mid-altitude, grey or bluish cloud layer that often covers the entire sky, composed of water droplets and ice crystals.
In meteorology, a genus of cloud in the middle étage, typically appearing as a uniform, often featureless sheet, frequently signaling an approaching warm front and prolonged precipitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage is identical in meteorological contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general speech but standard in meteorological reports and educational materials in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “altostratus” in a Sentence
The [sky/forecast] called for altostratus.A layer of altostratus [covered/hid] the sun.The meteorologist identified the cloud as altostratus.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “altostratus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sky altostratussed over by noon, a sure sign of change.
American English
- The sky altostratted over by noon, a sure sign of change.
adjective
British English
- The altostratus conditions made for a dull, diffused light.
American English
- The altostratus conditions made for a dull, diffused light.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geography, environmental science, and meteorology textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Rare; only used by weather enthusiasts or in detailed weather forecasts.
Technical
Standard term in meteorological observations, aviation weather reports (METAR), and climatology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “altostratus”
- Pronouncing it as 'alto-status'.
- Using it as a plural without change ('altostratuses' is non-standard; 'altostrati' is technically correct but rare).
- Confusing it with nimbostratus (a lower, rain-bearing layer cloud).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stratus clouds are low-level, fog-like layers. Altostratus forms at a higher, middle altitude (between 6,500 and 20,000 feet) and is generally thicker and more extensive.
Yes, but usually as a diffuse, bright spot without clear edges (as if looking through ground glass), unlike the sharp sun visible through higher cirrostratus.
It is generally a 'bad weather' cloud, often preceding a warm front and indicating a high probability of prolonged precipitation within the next 6 to 12 hours.
Yes, it is a standard term in aviation meteorology (e.g., METAR reports) as it indicates potential icing conditions and reduced visibility.
A mid-altitude, grey or bluish cloud layer that often covers the entire sky, composed of water droplets and ice crystals.
Altostratus is usually technical / scientific in register.
Altostratus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæltəʊˈstrɑːtəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæltoʊˈstreɪtəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALTitude + STRATified + cloud US' = ALT-OSTRATUS, a stratified cloud at a middle altitude.
Conceptual Metaphor
A grey blanket (covering the sky).
Practice
Quiz
Altostratus clouds are most likely to bring what kind of weather?