stratus cloud
- noun
- /ˈstrætəs klaʊd/
- Specialized
:
nube estrato
- These model deficiencies appear to be related to an underestimation of the amount of marine stratus clouds off the North American coasts, inducing an ocean surface warm bias in the eastern Pacific.
- low stratus cloud
Examples
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This study suggests that a realistic simulation of these marine stratus clouds can be important for the CP ENSO simulation.
Blog text (21) -
While we watched from the window, a thick layer of stratus clouds settled over the landscape, hinting at the rain to come.
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Just in time, too: a bank of dark stratus clouds began to sweep in from the southern horizon.
Academic text (2011) -
An example of a negative cloud feedback to the climate system involves low-level marine stratus clouds.
Academic text (1994) -
But the next afternoon, a pewter lid of stratus clouds seemed ready to burst with the rain they contained.
Fiction book (1992) -
Because marine stratus clouds are so low in the atmosphere, the shortwave cooling dominates the longwave warming effect.
Academic text (1994) -
Tonight, the lights of the great city of Hong Kong, out of sight on the north side of the island's spine, illuminated a low deck of stratus clouds with a dull glow.
Fiction book (2001) -
As the day progressed, dense stratus clouds formed, bringing a light drizzle that dampened the picnic plans.
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The forecast warned of low-lying stratus clouds that would cover the city, making it feel gloomy and overcast.
Synonyms
1
5.9
A low gray cloud that forms a flat sheet and often blocks the sun
How Fluffy
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'stratus' (a type of low, uniform cloud) with 'cloud' (a visible mass of water droplets), so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it refers to a low, extensive, gray cloud layer often producing drizzle or mist. This is a straightforward noun+noun composition following common morphological patterns and is cross-linguistically transparent.
Etymology
Stratus cloud comes from the Latin word stratus, meaning 'layer' or 'spread out', so picture a flat blanket of cloud covering the sky. That's why stratus cloud describes a low, wide, gray cloud that often brings light drizzle.