altocumulus

noun

al·​to·​cu·​mu·​lus ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs How to pronounce altocumulus (audio)
plural altocumuli ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ˌlī How to pronounce altocumulus (audio)
-ˌlē
: a fleecy mid-altitude cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular masses with shaded portions see cloud illustration

Examples of altocumulus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The altocumulus floccus clouds, though, showed that a combination of instability (due to the puffy nature of the clouds) and moisture (the clouds already being there) were already present by Wednesday morning. Chris Bianchi, The Denver Post, 3 June 2020 Mid-level clouds are usually gray and are identified as either altocumulus, altostratus, or nimbostratus. Catherine Zuckerman, National Geographic, 24 Apr. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French alto-cumulus, from Latin altus "high" + French -o- -o- + cumulus cumulus — more at altitude

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altocumulus was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near altocumulus

Cite this Entry

“Altocumulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altocumulus. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

altocumulus

noun
al·​to·​cu·​mu·​lus ˌal-tō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs How to pronounce altocumulus (audio)
: a fleecy cloud formation consisting of large whitish globular masses with shaded portions

More from Merriam-Webster on altocumulus

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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