altostratus

[ al-toh-strey-tuhs, -strat-uhs ]

/ ˌæl toʊˈstreɪ təs, -ˈstræt əs /

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noun, plural al·to·stra·tus.Meteorology.

a cloud of a class characterized by a generally uniform gray sheet or layer, lighter in color than nimbostratus and darker than cirrostratus: of medium altitude, about 8000–20,000 feet (2450–6100 meters).

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Origin of altostratus

First recorded in 1890–95; alto- + stratus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use altostratus in a sentence

When Cosby looked up, he saw that Sonny Stitt, the famed alto sax player, had joined the bandstand.
Why Comedians Still Think Bill Cosby Is a Genius|Mark Whitaker|October 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She found an out-of-network doctor in Palo Alto who would do the surgery about a month later.
Obamacare Now Pays for Gender Reassignment|Kaiser Health News|August 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Eventually Franco took an acting job so his production company could put his salary into Palo Alto.
The Next Great Coppola|Caryn James|May 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For this role, Mueller, who earned a Tony nomination for her turn in On a Clear Day, ironed the vibrato out of her Broadway alto.
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ Review: A Few Discordant Notes, But Damn Great Songs|Daniel Gross|January 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But how can I say that when the protagonist is a talking bear who plays the alto sax?
What are the Best Novels on Music?|Ted Gioia|October 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
"But you see it was just this way," explained the pleasant little voice—all alto notes again.
Molly Make-Believe|Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
"It's only Molly," explained an undeniably sweet little alto voice.
Molly Make-Believe|Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
For the burial of a rich person (entierro alto) the sum of two hundred dollars is frequently paid.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests|J. J. von Tschudi
Truth and sincerity staring out upon you perpetually in alto relievo.
Notes & Queries, No. 53. Saturday, November 2, 1850|Various
The appearance of the cumulo-stratus, among ranges of hills, presents some interesting phenomena.
The Rain Cloud|Anonymous

British Dictionary definitions for altostratus

altostratus

/ (ˌæltəʊˈstreɪtəs, -ˈstrɑː-) /

noun plural -ti (-taɪ)

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for altostratus

altostratus

[ ăl′tō-străt′əs ]

Plural altostrati (ăl′tō-străt′ī′)

A mid-altitude cloud that extends in flat, smooth sheets or layers of varying thickness. Altostratus clouds generally form between 2,000 and 6,100 m (6,560 and 20,000 ft) and often produce long, steady rain showers. See illustration at cloud.