stratiform

[ strat-uh-fawrm ]

adjective

1. Geology. occurring as a bed or beds; arranged in strata.
2. Anatomy. noting arrangement in thin layers, as in bone.
3. Meteorology. (of a cloud) having predominantly horizontal development.

stratiform

/ ˈstrætɪˌfɔːm /

adjective

1. (of rocks) occurring as or arranged in strata
2. meteorol resembling a stratus cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratiform¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; strati- + -form

Example Sentences

“We call this type of precipitation stratiform rain,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Stratiform rain tends to fall evenly across a region, while convection rain can fall heavily in one place but be barely felt just blocks away.

From Seattle Times

The Washington coast gets two types of rain: stratiform and convective.

From Seattle Times

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed we can get more of a stratiform rain event versus more lightning,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

That leaves Seattle with mostly stratiform precipitation — the drizzle or mist that sprinkles gently across your hair but leaves your scalp unscathed.

From Seattle Times