cirri: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowScientific / Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “cirri” mean?
The plural of 'cirrus'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of 'cirrus'; slender, thread-like appendages or structures in biology, or a type of high-altitude cloud formation.
In botany/zoology: hair-like structures or tendrils used for attachment or sensing. In meteorology: high, wispy clouds composed of ice crystals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. Both follow the same scientific conventions.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language, used identically in specialist fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cirri” in a Sentence
The [organism] uses its cirri for [function].[Subject] is adorned with delicate cirri.High-altitude cirri indicate [weather condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cirri” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cirriform clouds thickened.
- A cirrose appendage was visible.
American English
- The cirriform clouds thickened.
- A cirrose appendage was visible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, meteorology, and geology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside educational or documentary contexts.
Technical
Standard term in relevant scientific descriptions and classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cirri”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cirri”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cirri”
- Using 'cirri' as a singular noun (singular is 'cirrus').
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsɜːri/ or /ˈkɪri/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the plural form. The singular is 'cirrus'.
Yes, but as the plural of 'cirrus', a type of cloud. You would say 'The sky is filled with cirri' meaning multiple cirrus clouds.
Barnacles are a classic example. They use their cirri, which are feathery legs, to sweep food from the water.
It is pronounced /ˈsɪraɪ/, sounding like 'SIR-eye'.
The plural of 'cirrus'.
Cirri is usually scientific / technical / formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIR-eye' – a knight (sir) looking up at the wispy clouds or the hairy legs of a tiny creature.
Conceptual Metaphor
THREAD-LIKE STRUCTURES ARE HAIRS / CLOUDS ARE FEATHERS
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you *most likely* encounter the term 'cirri'?