cirrus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “cirrus” mean?
A high-altitude, wispy cloud composed of ice crystals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-altitude, wispy cloud composed of ice crystals.
A slender, hair-like appendage in biology; a high-altitude cloud formation signifying fair weather or an approaching change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in scientific and weather contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific connotation in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cirrus” in a Sentence
[determiner] + cirrus + [modifier (e.g., cloud, formation)][verb (e.g., see, form)] + cirrusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cirrus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cirriform clouds suggested a warm front was approaching.
- The sky had a cirrus appearance.
American English
- The cirrostratus layer was preceding the storm.
- We observed cirrus-like filaments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in meteorology, climatology, atmospheric science, and biology (e.g., cirrus of a barnacle).
Everyday
Used in weather forecasts and general discussions about cloud types.
Technical
Precise term for a cloud genus (abbreviation: Ci) with defined species and varieties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cirrus”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cirrus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cirrus”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsaɪrəs/ (like 'cyrus').
- Confusing with 'cumulus' or 'stratus' cloud types.
- Using plural 'cirri' (biological) for clouds (plural is 'cirrus clouds').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term most commonly encountered in weather reports, science classes, or specific hobbies like aviation or meteorology.
Isolated cirrus often indicates fair weather. However, a thickening and lowering layer of cirrus (cirrostratus) can signal an approaching warm front and possible precipitation within 24-48 hours.
In meteorology, the plural is 'cirrus clouds'. The Latin plural 'cirri' is used primarily in a biological context (e.g., the cirri of a barnacle).
Yes, though it's rare. It can be used poetically or descriptively to refer to anything wispy, thin, and high, e.g., 'cirrus of smoke' or 'cirrus of hair'.
A high-altitude, wispy cloud composed of ice crystals.
Cirrus is usually formal / technical in register.
Cirrus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cirrus clouds are sometimes called 'mares' tails'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SIR (sounds like 'cirr-') with a long, wispy, white beard floating high in the sky like a cloud.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIGH IS DETACHED / PURE (cirrus clouds are the highest and often associated with fair, calm conditions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary composition of a cirrus cloud?