cumulus
/'kju:mjuləs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A cloud formation: In meteorology, "cumulus" refers to a type of cloud characterized by a dense, white, fluffy, and often towering appearance with a flat base. These are the classic "fair-weather" clouds.
- A heap or pile: More generally, "cumulus" can describe a collection of items amassed into a rounded pile or mound.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Meteorology):
- The sky was dotted with puffy white cumulus clouds.
- Cumulus clouds often develop on sunny afternoons.
- Noun (General Heap):
- A cumulus of fallen leaves gathered in the corner of the yard. (This usage is less common and more literary.)
Advanced Usage
- "Cumulus congestus": A towering cumulus cloud that is growing vertically and may develop into a cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) cloud.
- The cumulus congestus clouds on the horizon suggested a storm was brewing.
- "Cumulus humilis": A species of cumulus cloud that is wider than it is tall, indicating stable atmospheric conditions.
- The gentle cumulus humilis clouds promised a pleasant day.
Variants and Related Words
- Cumulative (adj): Increasing or growing by successive additions.
- The cumulative effect of daily practice is significant improvement.
- Cumulonimbus (n): A dense, towering vertical cloud associated with thunderstorms and severe weather, often developing from cumulus.
- The dark cumulonimbus cloud unleashed heavy rain and lightning.
Synonyms
- Cloud: (specifically for the meteorological sense) A visible mass of condensed water vapor.
- Heap: A pile of things laid or thrown on top of each other.
- Mound: A rounded mass projecting above a surface.
Related Phrases
- Cumulus cloud base: The flat, typically darker bottom of a cumulus cloud from which rain may fall if the cloud develops further.
- The cumulus cloud base was quite low, indicating high humidity.
Noun
- a collection of objects laid on top of each other
- a globular cloud