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DictionarystratusLayered cloud
noun

stratus

STRAY-tus/ˈstreɪtəs/

Low cloud forming a gray sheet.

A low sheet of stratus hides the hills this morning.

One low broad flat gray cloud sheet hangs over a tiny distant hill and farmhouse silhouette, its underside level and unbroken.
Etymology
stratusLatinto spread out; lay down

The idea of ‘spreading out’ produced a Latin noun meaning a spreading or bedspread. The cloud name evokes that same sheet-like shape: a low, continuous covering across the sky.

In context

Spot-On-Weather LLC14:08
so very fall like up in parts of Northern New England tomorrow with the thicker low cloud coverage stratus clouds
Weather Map Discussion 17AUG22

More examples

  • Thin stratus lets a little sunlight through.
  • Stratus often brings mist or light drizzle.
  • The sun disappears behind a gray layer of stratus.

Forms

stratus

Similar words

cloud
A broader term that does not specify height or shape.
fog
A similar cloud layer that forms at ground level.