altocumulus

[ al-toh-kyoo-myuh-luhs ]

noun

, Meteorology.

, plural al·to·cu·mu·lus.

1. a cloud of a class characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus: of medium altitude, about 8000–20,000 feet (2450–6100 meters).

altocumulus

/ ˌæltəʊˈkjuːmjʊləs /

noun

1. a globular cloud at an intermediate height of about 2400 to 6000 metres (8000 to 20 000 feet)

altocumulus

/ ăl′tō-kyo̅o̅′myə-ləs /

, Plural altocumuli ăl′tō-kyo̅o̅m′yə-lī′

1. A mid-altitude cloud composed of fleecy white or gray patches or bands. Altocumulus clouds generally form between 2,000 and 6,100 m (6,560 and 20,000 ft).
2. See illustration at cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of altocumulus¹

First recorded in 1890–95; alto- + cumulus

Example Sentences

Clouds that resemble the scales on a mackerel are called altocumulus clouds and form in advance of an approaching, large storm, Mr. Wysocki said.

From New York Times

Brilliant red, orange and scarlet sunsets often take place in the presence of higher cirrus or altocumulus clouds instead of low-level clouds such as stratus or stratocumulus.

From Washington Post

In actuality, they're created by airplanes flying through the altocumulus cloud layer.

From Fox News

“However, when our scientists examined it closely, they were shocked to realize a storm had come through during that July and August of 1892 and Hassam was actually capturing an altocumulus cloud formation.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the aftermath of such a storm, midlevel and high clouds may be left behind, especially cirrus and altocumulus clouds that are ideal as a canvas for painting by the sun’s last rays.

From New York Times