floccus

[ flok-uhs ]

noun

, plural floc·ci [flok, -sahy, -see].

1. a small tuft of woolly hairs.

adjective

1. Meteorology. (of a cloud) having elements in the form of small, rounded tufts.

floccus

/ ˈflɒkəs /

noun

1. a downy or woolly covering, as on the young of certain birds
2. a small woolly tuft of hair

adjective

1. (of a cloud) having the appearance of woolly tufts at odd intervals in its structure

Word History and Origins

Origin of floccus¹

1835–45; < Latin: tuft of wool

Word History and Origins

Origin of floccus¹

C19: from Latin: tuft of hair or wool, flock ²

Example Sentences

One of the Cloud Appreciation Society website’s most popular features is an expansive photo gallery where anyone can submit, say, an altocumulus floccus gracing the sky over Cabbagehall, Fife, Scotland, a wispy cirrus formation over Nova Scotia, Canada, or a menacing thunderstorm over Maryville, Tennessee.

From The Verge

He spoke up after a phalanx of servers lifted five porcelain salvers in unison, releasing a floccus of steam from each dish.

From New York Times

The ornamental braiding is also more probably due to “frock,” Lat. floccus.

From Project Gutenberg

The fourth of the physicians of Paul II of whom there is record was Sanctes Floccus, whose activities as writer and physician are summed up in the inscription on his tombstone.

From Project Gutenberg

Floccus: a tuft of wool or wool-like hair.

From Project Gutenberg