altocumulus

[ al-toh-kyoo-myuh-luh s ]

/ ˌæl toʊˈkyu myə ləs /

noun, plural al·to·cu·mu·lus. Meteorology.

a cloud of a class characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus: of medium altitude, about 8000–20,000 feet (2450–6100 meters).

Nearby words

alto, alto clef, alto flute, alto-, alto-relievo, altocumulus, altogether, altoist, alton, alton towers, altona

Origin of altocumulus

First recorded in 1890–95; alto- + cumulus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for altocumulus

altocumulus

/ (ˌæltəʊˈkjuːmjʊləs) /

noun plural -li (-laɪ)

a globular 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

Science definitions for altocumulus

altocumulus

[ ăl′tō-kyōō′myə-ləs ]

Plural altocumuli (ăl′tō-kyōōm′yə-lī′)

A mid-altitude cloud composed of fleecy white or gray patches or bands. Altocumulus clouds generally form between 2,000 and 6,100 m (6,560 and 20,000 ft). See illustration at cloud.