Cumuli: meaning, definitions and examples
☁️
cumuli
[ ˈkjuːmjʊləs ]
weather phenomenon
Cumulus clouds are one of the most recognizable types of clouds, characterized by their fluffy, white appearance and flat bases. They typically form in fair weather and are often described as looking like cotton balls in the sky. These clouds indicate rising air and can develop into larger storm clouds if conditions allow. Cumulus clouds are particularly common during the summer months when the sun heats the ground and causes warm convection currents.
Synonyms
convective clouds, fluffy clouds, heap clouds.
Examples of usage
- The sky was filled with white cumuli on that sunny day.
- As the day progressed, the cumuli began to build up, signaling a possible thunderstorm.
- Cumulus clouds can often be seen during afternoons in late spring.
Translations
Translations of the word "cumuli" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cúmulos
🇮🇳 क्यूम्यूलस
🇩🇪 Cumulus
🇮🇩 cumulus
🇺🇦 кумулюс
🇵🇱 kumulus
🇯🇵 積雲
🇫🇷 cumulus
🇪🇸 cúmulo
🇹🇷 kumulüs
🇰🇷 적운
🇸🇦 سحب كوميولوس
🇨🇿 kumulus
🇸🇰 kumulus
🇨🇳 积云
🇸🇮 kumulus
🇮🇸 kumulus
🇰🇿 кумулус
🇬🇪 კუმულუსი
🇦🇿 kumulus
🇲🇽 cúmulo
Etymology
The word 'cumulus' comes from the Latin word 'cumulus,' which means 'heap' or 'pile.' This term reflects the cloud's characteristic shape, resembling a pile or heap of cotton. The classification of clouds into distinct types began in the 19th century, largely due to the work of meteorologist Luke Howard, who introduced a systematic nomenclature for clouds. The cumulus type was specifically identified because of its particular formation process that involves vertical lifting of warm air. Over time, the understanding of cloud formation and the role of cumulus clouds in weather patterns has greatly expanded, but the term has remained rooted in its Latin origins, highlighting the cloud's piling appearance. Today, cumulus clouds are studied not only for their beauty but also for their significance in meteorology and their influence on climate patterns.