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Glite Dictionary
stratiform

stratiform

8.0
Made in wide, flat layers, often for clouds that bring steady rain
  • adjective
  • /ˈstrætɪfɔrm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estratiforme
  • The forecast predicts stratiform clouds will cover the sky, bringing continuous rain throughout the day.

Examples

  • The stratiform layer of clouds created a gray blanket overhead, preventing any sunlight from breaking through.

  • As we flew above the mountains, we noticed the stratiform clouds indicating a warm front approaching.

  • You're going to have trouble seeing and you're going to see clouds that are basically a flat, these stratiform clouds here that you see on the right.

Synonyms

stratified
vsstratiform
  • Formal
6.7

Made up of horizontal layers of rock or soil

focuses on layered clouds and wide precipitation that brings steady rain

Surface Forms

stratiform positive

Morphology

stratiform = stratum + form (semi-transparent) = strati + form

While the components 'stratum' and 'form' are clear, the specific meteorological application to clouds is specialized.

Etymology

The word stratiform comes from the Latin word stratum meaning 'layer' and the English part form meaning 'shape'. So stratiform means 'in the shape of layers', like wide, flat stratus clouds or layered rock, and this is why it describes clouds that spread out and bring steady, light rain.