stratocumulus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Meteorological / Academic
Quick answer
What does “stratocumulus” mean?
a low-level cloud layer or patch with a series of rounded rolls or lumps, grey or whitish in colour, with dark patches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a low-level cloud layer or patch with a series of rounded rolls or lumps, grey or whitish in colour, with dark patches.
A type of cloud belonging to the low cloud group (below 6,500 ft / 2,000 m), characterized by its lumpy, layer-like appearance, often covering large portions of the sky. It typically indicates stable weather conditions, sometimes following the dissipation of a stratus layer or preceding or following precipitation from higher clouds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meteorological definition or usage. The spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. It carries no particular cultural connotation beyond its scientific meaning.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse but standard in meteorological contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “stratocumulus” in a Sentence
The [sky] is covered with stratocumulus.A layer of stratocumulus [formed/developed/dissipated].Stratocumulus often [indicates/precedes/follows] stable weather.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stratocumulus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stratocumulus sky promised a dull, dry day.
American English
- A stratocumulus overcast kept temperatures cool all afternoon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in meteorology, geography, and environmental science contexts.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing weather in detail.
Technical
Standard term in weather reports, aviation forecasts, and climate studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stratocumulus”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stratocumulus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stratocumulus”
- Misspelling as 'strato-cumulus' (hyphenated) or 'stratocumulous'.
- Confusing it with 'stratus' (smooth layer) or 'cumulus' (individual puff).
- Mispronouncing the 'cu' as /kʌ/ instead of /kjuː/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it produces only very light drizzle or snow (praecipitatio) at most. It is not a significant precipitation cloud.
By size and height. Use the 'rule of thumb': if you can cover an individual cloud lump with three fingers held at arm's length, it's likely altocumulus (mid-level). If it takes your whole fist or more to cover it, it's the larger, lower stratocumulus.
Generally a 'fair weather' cloud, indicating stability. However, it can create dull, grey days (sometimes called 'anti-cyclonic gloom' in the UK) and is often associated with temperature inversions.
Yes, it can form from the breaking up of stratus clouds or the spreading out of cumulus clouds. It can also thicken into nimbostratus if conditions become more unstable.
a low-level cloud layer or patch with a series of rounded rolls or lumps, grey or whitish in colour, with dark patches.
Stratocumulus is usually technical / meteorological / academic in register.
Stratocumulus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrætəʊˈkjuːmjʊləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrætoʊˈkjuːmjələs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STRATO (like 'strata', meaning layers) + CUMULUS (the puffy cloud). It's a layered cloud with puffy bits.
Conceptual Metaphor
A grey, lumpy blanket stretched across the sky.
Practice
Quiz
What weather is stratocumulus most commonly associated with?