stratus

[strey-tuhs, strat-uhs]

noun

plural

strati 

1. a cloud of a class characterized by a gray, horizontal layer with a uniform base, found at a lower altitude than altostratus, usually below 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

stratus

/ ˈstreɪtəs /

noun

1. a grey layer cloud Compare cirrus cumulus

stratus

plural

strati 

1. 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.

2. See illustration at cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratus¹

1795–1805; < Latin strātus; stratum

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratus¹

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