altostratus

noun

al·to·stra·tus ˌal-tō-ˈstrā-təs

-ˈstra-

plural altostrati ˌal-tō-ˈstrā-ˌtī

-ˈstra-

: a fairly uniform mid-altitude layer of gray cloud darker than cirrostratus see cloud illustration

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Mid-level clouds are usually gray and are identified as either altocumulus, altostratus, or nimbostratus. —

Catherine Zuckerman, National Geographic, 24 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'altostratus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin altus + New Latin -o- + stratus

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of altostratus was in 1890

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Altostratus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altostratus. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

altostratus

noun

al·to·stra·tus ˌal-tō-ˈstrāt-əs

-ˈstrat-

: a layer of gray cloud similar to cirrostratus but darker and at a lower level

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