cumulus

[ kyoo-myuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural cu·mu·lus.

1. a heap; pile.
2. a cloud of a class characterized by dense individual elements in the form of puffs, mounds, or towers, with flat bases and tops that often resemble cauliflower: as such clouds develop vertically, they form cumulonimbus.

cumulus

/ ˈkjuːmjʊləs /

noun

1. a bulbous or billowing white or dark grey cloud associated with rising air currents Compare cirrus stratus
2. histology the mass of cells surrounding a recently ovulated egg cell in a Graafian follicle

cumulus

/ kyo̅o̅m′yə-ləs /

, Plural cumuli kyo̅o̅m′yə-lī′

1. A dense, white, fluffy cloud with a flat base, a multiple rounded top, and a well-defined outline. The bases of cumulus clouds form primarily in altitudes below 2,000 m (6,560 ft), but their tops can reach much higher. Cumulus clouds are generally associated with fair weather but can also bring rain when they expand to higher levels. The clouds' edges are well-defined when they are composed of water droplets and fuzzy when made up of ice crystals.
2. See illustration at cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumulus¹

1650–60; < New Latin ( Latin: mass, pile)

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumulus¹

C17: from Latin: mass

Example Sentences

My sister materializes through golden-hued cumulus clouds, beckons with her hand for me to come to her, and so I do.

From Los Angeles Times

A recent study found that cumulus clouds, the small cotton ball-like ones typical for a sunny day, can dissipate once an eclipse begins.

From New York Times

Self-identified light workers bandy about the concept of twin flames and profess that cumulus cloud tufts disguise space ships.

From Salon

"We hope this research helps improve predictions of rain generated by Hawaii's tradewind cumulus clouds so that we can better prepare Hawaii in this changing world."

From Science Daily

As that sinister cumulus rose above an oval-shaped reservoir, it collapsed, sending red-hot embers down the steep slopes toward Greenville in a storm of torched trees and exploding shrubs.

From Salon