stratus

noun

stra·​tus ˈstrā-təs How to pronounce stratus (audio)
ˈstra-
plural strati ˈstrā-ˌtī How to pronounce stratus (audio)
ˈstra-
: a low cloud form extending over a large area at altitudes of usually 2000 to 7000 feet (600 to 2100 meters) see cloud illustration

Examples of stratus 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.
But after spending most of the day under low stratus clouds, patchy fog and coastal drizzle caused by onshore flow, New Yorkers will likely need an umbrella for the evening hours, as a cold front coming from the west is expected to dump up to three-quarters of an inch of rain. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 Portland will likely start Friday with morning clouds as some of that marine stratus seeps into the metro area. oregonlive, 27 July 2023 Most of it will lift after 9 a.m., becoming stratus — or high fog — by midmorning. Gerry Díaz, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Apr. 2023 Beneath the smoke, low level stratus clouds also swirl in the weather system's circulation pattern. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2016 See All Example Sentences for stratus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, past participle of sternere

First Known Use

circa 1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stratus was circa 1803

Cite this Entry

“Stratus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stratus. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

stratus

noun
stra·​tus ˈstrāt-əs How to pronounce stratus (audio)
ˈstrat-
plural strati ˈstrāt-ˌī How to pronounce stratus (audio)
ˈstrat-
: a cloud form extending over a large area at altitudes of usually 2000 to 7000 feet (600 to 2100 meters)

More from Merriam-Webster on stratus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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