Meanings
plural cumulostrati
- climatologySynonym of stratocumulus.
1 more example
[page 99] Cumulo-stratus. […] The cirro-stratus blended with the cumulus, and either appearing intermixed with the heaps of the latter or superadding a wide-spread structure to its base. […] [pages 104–105] The distinct cumulo-stratus is formed in the interval between the first appearance of the fleecy cumulus and the commencement of rain, while the lower atmosphere is yet too dry; also during the approach of thunder-storms: the indistinct appearance of it is chiefly in the longer or shorter intervals of showers of rain, snow, or hail.
1803 July, Luke Howard, “XVIII. On the Modifications of Clouds, and on the Principles of Their Production, Suspension, and Destruction; being the Substance of an Essay Read before the Askesian Society in the Session 1802–3.”, in Alexander Tilloch, editor, The Philosophical Magazine and Journal: Comprehending the Various Branches of Science, the Liberal and Fine Arts, Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce, volume XVI, number 62, London: […] [Richard Taylor] for Alexander Tilloch; and sold by Messrs. Richardson, […], →ISSN, →OCLC, pages 99 and 104–105Synonyms: stratocumulus
Synonyms & antonyms
nounSynonym of stratocumulus.
Origin
From cumul(us) + -o- + stratus, coined by the British chemist and amateur meteorologist Luke Howard (1772–1864): see the 1803 quotation.
Full word history & related roots →Rhymes & wordplay
Rhymes with cumulostratus
Anagrams
Cite this entry
cumulostratus. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cumulostratus
“cumulostratus.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cumulostratus. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “cumulostratus,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cumulostratus.
Source: cumulostratus on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.