stratus

[ strey-tuhs, strat-uhs ]

noun

, plural stra·ti [strey, -tahy, strat, -ahy].

1. a cloud of a class characterized by a gray, horizontal layer with a uniform base, found at a lower altitude than altostratus, usually below 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

stratus

/ ˈstreɪtəs /

noun

1. a grey layer cloud Compare cirrus cumulus

stratus

/ străt′əs,strā′təs /

, Plural strati străt′ī,strā′tī

1. A diffuse, grayish cloud that often produces drizzle and is formed primarily in altitudes no higher than 2,000 m (6,560 ft). A stratus cloud close to the ground or water is called fog.
2. See illustration at cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratus¹

1795–1805; < Latin strātus; stratum

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratus¹

C19: via New Latin from Latin: strewn, from sternere to extend

Example Sentences

Also note the opposing flow of the marine stratus working northward with the convective debris clouds moving southwest towards the coast.

From Seattle 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

“Imagine waiting your whole life to be at the Oscars and you end up sitting behind a stratus cloud,” tweeted writer Jarrett Bellini, who was promptly shut down by Tems fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Snow can form in the gentle updrafts of stratus clouds or at high altitudes in very cold regions of a thunderstorm.

From Los Angeles Times

I'd started therapy again during a particularly gray stretch of weather; flat, uniform stratus clouds hung in the sky, seemingly insulating us from sun, rain, snow or any variety, really.

From Salon