cumulostratus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cumulostratus” mean?
A type of cloud that is a thick, low-altitude, grey layer with a ragged, wavy base, often producing continuous rain or snow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of cloud that is a thick, low-altitude, grey layer with a ragged, wavy base, often producing continuous rain or snow.
In meteorology, a cloud that forms a uniform, dark grey layer covering much or all of the sky, often signifying prolonged, steady precipitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is equally archaic in both standard meteorological vocabularies.
Connotations
Technical, dated. Suggests a historical or very precise meteorological text.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions, limited to historical or highly specialised meteorological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cumulostratus” in a Sentence
The + cumulostratus + verb (e.g., covered, lowered, produced)A + [adjective] + layer of + cumulostratusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cumulostratus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The cumulostratus formation was a textbook example.
American English
- They identified a classic cumulostratus cloud deck.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in historical or specialised meteorological papers discussing cloud classification evolution.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain, though largely obsolete. Might appear in vintage weather guides or some aviation meteorology contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cumulostratus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cumulostratus”
- Misspelling as 'cumulostratos' or 'cumulostratis'.
- Using it interchangeably with all dark clouds.
- Pronouncing the 'o' in 'cumulo' as a short vowel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and largely obsolete technical term from meteorology.
In modern usage, very little. 'Cumulostratus' is an older term that has been mostly replaced by 'nimbostratus' in standard cloud atlases.
Almost certainly not. They would use 'nimbostratus' or simply describe it as a thick rain cloud or overcast sky.
It would sound highly unusual and overly technical. It is best reserved for discussions on the history of meteorology.
A type of cloud that is a thick, low-altitude, grey layer with a ragged, wavy base, often producing continuous rain or snow.
Cumulostratus is usually technical / scientific in register.
Cumulostratus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkjuːmjʊləʊˈstrɑːtəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkjuːmjəloʊˈstreɪtəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CUMULO (like a heap of rain) + STRATUS (a layer) = a heaped, layered rain cloud.
Conceptual Metaphor
[N/A for highly technical terms]
Practice
Quiz
What is 'cumulostratus' in modern cloud classification?