fractus

American  

[frak-tuhs] / ˈfræk təs /

adjective

Meteorology.

1. (of a cloud) containing small, individual elements that have a ragged appearance.

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Etymology

Origin of fractus

First recorded in 1965–70; from Latin frāctus, past participle of frangere “to break”; cf. break

Example Sentences

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

Justum et tenacem propositi virum Non civium ardor prava jubentium, Non vultus instantis tyranni Mente quatit solida, neque Auster Dux inquieti turbidus Hadriae, Nec fulminantis magna manus Jovis: Si fractus illabatur orbis, Impavidum ferient ruinae.

From Hero Tales from American History by Roosevelt, Theodore

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

His concluding hyperbole is almost a literal version of the Roman bard:— "Si fractus illabatur orbis, Impavidum ferient ruin�."

From History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, Vols. 1 and 2 by Prescott, William Hickling