stratus

[strey-tuh s, strat-uh s]

noun, plural stra·ti

[strey-tahy, strat-ahy] /ˈstreɪ taɪ, ˈstræt aɪ/.

a cloud of a class characterized by a gray, horizontal layer with a uniform base, found at a lower altitude than altostratus, usually below 8000 feet (2400 meters).

Origin of stratus

1795–1805; < Latin strātus; see stratum

strati-

a combining form representing stratum in compound words: stratiform.

Origin of strati-

strat(um) + -i-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for strati

strati-

combining form

indicating stratum or stratastratiform; stratigraphy

stratus

noun plural -ti (-taɪ)

a grey layer cloudCompare cirrus (def. 1), cumulus

Word Origin for stratus

C19: via New Latin from Latin: strewn, from sternere to extend

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

Word Origin and History for strati

stratus

"a low layer of cloud," 1803, from Latin stratus "a spreading," from stratus, past participle of sternere (see stratum).

strati in Science

stratus

[străt′əs, strā′təs]

Plural strati (străt′ī, strā′tī)

A diffuse, grayish cloud that often produces drizzle and is formed primarily in altitudes no higher than 2,000 m (6,560 ft). A stratus cloud close to the ground or water is called fog. See illustration at cloud.