stratus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Specialized)Technical/Scientific, Literary
Quick answer
What does “stratus” mean?
A low, grey, uniform, layer-like cloud that often covers the entire sky, typically producing drizzle or light snow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low, grey, uniform, layer-like cloud that often covers the entire sky, typically producing drizzle or light snow.
In meteorology, a genus of low-altitude cloud characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base. Figuratively, can describe any continuous, uniform layer or blanket-like covering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations. Potential figurative use might be slightly more common in British literary contexts due to the frequency of such weather.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to weather reports, aviation, and literary description.
Grammar
How to Use “stratus” in a Sentence
The [sky/horizon] was [verb: covered/obscured/blanketed] by stratus.A [adjective: thick/low/dense] stratus [verb: hung/descended/settled] over the [city/coast].Stratus [verb: forms/develops] when...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stratus” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The pilot reported a solid stratus at two thousand feet.
- A dreary stratus clung to the Yorkshire moors all day.
American English
- The forecaster called for morning stratus along the coast.
- A flat stratus deck made for poor visibility at the airfield.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in logistics/aviation: 'Flight delays are likely due to persistent stratus over the hub.'
Academic
Standard in meteorology, geography, and atmospheric science texts.
Everyday
Uncommon; replaced by 'low cloud', 'grey sky', 'overcast'. 'Looks like more of that stratus today.'
Technical
Precise term in weather forecasts (METAR/TAF codes: ST), aviation briefings, and climate studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stratus”
- Using 'stratus' to refer to any low cloud (e.g., nimbostratus is different).
- Pronouncing it /ˈstræt.əs/ (like 'strategy').
- Plural: 'strati' is incorrect; the plural is 'stratus' or 'stratus clouds'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Fog is a cloud in contact with the ground. Stratus is a cloud layer above the ground. Very low stratus can resemble hill fog.
Stratus is a uniform layer cloud that may produce light precipitation (drizzle, snow grains). Nimbostratus is a darker, thicker, more diffuse layer from which continuous rain or snow falls.
It's quite technical. In everyday talk, people say 'low cloud', 'grey sky', or just 'it's overcast'. Using 'stratus' might sound like you're a pilot or weather enthusiast.
The word is typically used as an uncountable noun ('a lot of stratus') or in its plural form 'stratus clouds'. The Latin plural 'strati' is incorrect in modern English meteorological usage.
A low, grey, uniform, layer-like cloud that often covers the entire sky, typically producing drizzle or light snow.
Stratus is usually technical/scientific, literary in register.
Stratus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstreɪ.təs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstreɪ.t̬əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A stratus of depression hung over the office.”
- “His mind was a grey stratus of forgetfulness.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STRATegy to cover the sky with a STRATum (layer) of cloud → STRATUS.
Conceptual Metaphor
SADNESS / OPPRESSION IS A LOW, GREY CLOUD (A stratus of gloom). UNIFORMITY / FEATURELESSNESS IS A BLANKET (A stratus of bureaucratic procedures).
Practice
Quiz
Which weather condition is most associated with a classic stratus cloud?