Stratus: meaning, definitions and examples

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stratus

[ˈstrɑːtəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

meteorology

A low, horizontal layer of cloud with a fairly uniform base, found at a lower altitude than cumulus clouds and often covering the sky.

Synonyms

cloud layer, fog, overcast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stratus	Used in meteorology to describe a type of low, gray cloud that covers the sky like a blanket. The sky was covered in stratus clouds, making it a gloomy morning. Stratus clouds often bring drizzly rain or light snow.
overcast	Refers to a sky that is completely covered by clouds, leading to a gray and gloomy appearance. Often used in daily conversation. It's overcast today, so we might need to reschedule the picnic. The weather forecast predicts overcast conditions for the entire week.
cloud layer	A general term for any continuous sheet of clouds, regardless of the type or altitude. A thick cloud layer obscured the mountains from view. Pilots need to be cautious when flying through a dense cloud layer.
fog	Describes a thick cloud that forms close to the ground, reducing visibility. Has a negative connotation when discussing transportation or safety. Driving in heavy fog can be dangerous due to poor visibility. The morning fog lifted, revealing a clear, sunny day.

Examples of usage

The weather forecast predicts stratus clouds for tomorrow morning.
Stratus clouds are often associated with overcast skies.
The stratus layer can bring light rain or drizzle.
Stratus clouds can create a gloomy atmosphere.
Stratus clouds are commonly seen in the winter months.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

geology

A layer of sedimentary rock that was deposited in approximately horizontal layers.

Synonyms

bedding plane, sedimentary layer, stratification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stratus	Use when describing a general aspect of cloud formation resembling layered blankets across the sky, identical to the first 'stratus' description. During the early morning, stratus clouds covered the horizon. Pilots prefer to avoid stratus layers as they reduce visibility.
sedimentary layer	Appropriate when referring to a specific layer of rock formed from particles or sediments. The sedimentary layer showed evidence of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Each sedimentary layer represented a different period in Earth's history.
bedding plane	Best for geological discussions about the surfaces that separate different layers of sedimentary rocks. The fossils were found lying on a bedding plane. Geologists studied the bedding plane to understand the ancient environment.
stratification	Suitable in both geological and sociological contexts to describe the arrangement of layers or divisions. Stratification in the rock formations indicated different sediment deposition periods. The social stratification in the town was quite evident, with clear divisions between rich and poor.

Examples of usage

The geologist identified a stratus in the rock formation.
The stratus layer indicated the presence of ancient riverbeds.
Stratus formations can provide valuable information about past environments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from Latin, where 'stratus' means 'stretched' or 'spread out', reflecting the cloud's flat shape.
It was first used in English to describe this specific cloud type in the early 19th century.

Meteorology

Stratus clouds are typically formed in stable air, leading to overcast skies and often light drizzle or mist.
They generally appear at lower altitudes compared to other cloud types, usually below 6,500 feet.
These clouds do not typically produce thunder or lightning, contributing to gentle weather rather than storms.

Art and Culture

Stratus clouds can evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility in art, often used in paintings to create soft backgrounds.
Many photographers seek out stratus-covered skies for their neutral tones which can enhance the mood of landscape images.

Science

Stratus clouds are part of a broader cloud classification system that helps meteorologists predict weather and climate changes.
These clouds are often associated with stable atmospheric conditions, indicating a lack of turbulence in the atmosphere.

Environmental Impact

Stratus clouds can play a role in local climates by affecting temperature and precipitation patterns.
Their presence can result in reduced solar radiation reaching the earth's surface, influencing local ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "stratus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estrato

🇮🇳 स्तर

🇩🇪 Schicht

🇮🇩 lapisan

🇺🇦 шар

🇵🇱 warstwa

🇯🇵 層

🇫🇷 couche

🇪🇸 estrato

🇹🇷 katman

🇰🇷 층

🇸🇦 طبقة

🇨🇿 vrstva

🇸🇰 vrstva

🇨🇳 层

🇸🇮 plast

🇮🇸 lag

🇰🇿 қабат

🇬🇪 შრე

🇦🇿 qat

🇲🇽 estrato