fractus
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of fractus
First recorded in 1965–70; from Latin frāctus, past participle of frangere “to break”; cf. break
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A cumulus, for example, might just be a cumulus; or it might be a cumulus fractus, if its edges are tattered; or a cumulus pileus, if a smaller cloud appears over it like a hood.
From New York Times ● May 4, 2016
This foreboding scene, pictured by Richard Robotham, depicts a cumulus fractus under the base of well-developed cumulus clouds.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2011
II., that it may then have been styled "Pons fractus?" ¶.S.
From Notes and Queries, Number 43, August 24, 1850 by Various
I stand pledged for you with Angria; but I flatter myself I know a man when I see one: si fractus illabitur orbis--you have already shown your mettle.
From In Clive's Command A Story of the Fight for India by Strang, Herbert
The prefix fracto- or the adjective fractus should be used when the cloud is undergoing disintegration or appears ragged or broken.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
