cirrus

[ sir-uhs ]

noun

, plural cir·rus cir·ri [sir, -ahy]

1. Meteorology.
   1. a cloud of a class characterized by thin white filaments or narrow bands and a composition of ice crystals: of high altitude, about 20,000–40,000 feet (6000–12,000 meters).
   2. a cirriform cloud.
2. Botany. a tendril.
3. Zoology.
   1. a filament or slender appendage serving as a foot, tentacle, barbel, etc.
   2. the male copulatory organ of flatworms and various other invertebrates.

cirrus

/ ˈsɪrəs /

noun

1. meteorol a thin wispy fibrous cloud at high altitudes, composed of ice particles
2. a plant tendril or similar part
3. zoology
   1. a slender tentacle or filament in barnacles and other marine invertebrates
   2. a hairlike structure in other animals, such as a filament on the appendage of an insect or a barbel of a fish

cirrus

/ sîr′əs /

, Plural cirri sîr′ī′

1. A high-altitude cloud composed of feathery white patches or bands of ice crystals. Cirrus clouds generally form between 6,100 and 12,200 m (20,000 and 40,000 ft).
2. See illustration at cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of cirrus¹

1700–10; < Latin: a curl, tuft, plant filament like a tuft of hair

Word History and Origins

Origin of cirrus¹

C18: from Latin: curl, tuft, fringe

Example Sentences

Some research groups have also explored whether releasing certain particles could break up cirrus clouds, which trap heat against the Earth, or make low-lying marine clouds more reflective.

From MIT Technology Review

Both the ancient and the modern creatures have eight arms bearing suckers flanked by hairlike cirri.

From Science News

This cloud may either evaporate or disappear, or it may pass to the cirrus, or sink lower and become a cirro-stratus.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cirrus occurs in very great variety, and in some states of the air is constantly changing.

From Project Gutenberg

In dry weather the cirrus is sharp, defined, and fibrous in texture, the lines vanishing off in fine points.

From Project Gutenberg

Filling the vision to the south-west was Aurora Peak, in crisp silhouette against a glorious radiant of cirrus cloud.

From Project Gutenberg

Ventral tentacular cirrus of second somite of a thin or foliaceous and asymmetrical form.

From Project Gutenberg