cirrocumulus

noun

cir·​ro·​cu·​mu·​lus ˌsir-ō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs How to pronounce cirrocumulus (audio)
: a high-altitude cloud form consisting of small white rounded masses usually in regular groupings see cloud illustration

Examples of cirrocumulus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are other types of linear clouds (like alto- and cirrocumulus) but those tend to appear in parallel bands. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2012 So cloud iridescence usually happens in lenticular or alto-cumulus, cirrus and cirrocumulus clouds. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2022 The three main types are cirrus, cirrostratus and cirrocumulus. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 17 July 2022 High clouds are classified as either cirrus, cirrostratus, or cirrocumulus. Catherine Zuckerman, National Geographic, 24 Apr. 2019 Within the lenticular category itself, there are several types: Altocumulus standing lenticular, stratocumulus standing lenticular and cirrocumulus standing lenticular. Kathryn Prociv, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cirrocumulus was circa 1803

Dictionary Entries Near cirrocumulus

Cite this Entry

“Cirrocumulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cirrocumulus. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cirrocumulus

noun
cir·​ro·​cu·​mu·​lus ˌsir-ō-ˈkyü-myə-ləs How to pronounce cirrocumulus (audio)
: a cloud form of small white rounded masses at a high altitude usually in regular groups

More from Merriam-Webster on cirrocumulus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!