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stratus

[ strey-tuh s, strat-uh s ]
/ ˈstreɪ təs, ˈstræt əs /

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).

Nearby words

  1. stratum corneum,
  2. stratum functionale,
  3. stratum lucidum,
  4. stratum spongiosum,
  5. stratum title,
  6. stratus clouds,
  7. straus,
  8. straus, oscar,
  9. strauss,
  10. strauss, david friedrich

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. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for strati

strati-

combining form

indicating stratum or stratastratiform; stratigraphy

stratus

/ (ˈstreɪtəs) /

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

n.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for strati

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.