floccus

A small floccus of cloud drifts across the blue sky.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tuft or clump of soft, woolly material: "floccus" refers to a small, fluffy mass, resembling a tuft of wool or cotton. This term is used in biology, botany, and meteorology.
   • In meteorology: A type of cloud formation characterized by small, rounded, fluffy patches, often seen in cirrus or altocumulus clouds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The botanist observed a floccus of hairs on the stem of the plant. (A small, woolly tuft.)
  • The sky was dotted with floccus clouds, giving it a soft, cotton-like appearance. (Clouds formed in small, fluffy tufts.)

Advanced Usage

• "floccus of wool": a small tuft of wool or similar fibrous material.

  • The sheep's fleece contained several flocci of tangled wool. (Small, clumped tufts.)

• "floccus cloud": a specific type of cloud with a fluffy, tufted structure.

  • The meteorologist noted the presence of cirrus floccus clouds, indicating high-altitude moisture. (Clouds with a tufted, wispy appearance.)

Variants and Related Words

• Flocci (n, plural): the plural form of "floccus".

  • The microscope revealed multiple flocci of fungal hyphae. (Multiple small tufts.)

• Flocculent (adj): having a fluffy or woolly texture; covered with flocci.

  • The surface of the fruit was flocculent, with many soft hairs. (Covered in small tufts.)

• Flocculation (n): the process of forming into flocci or clumps.

  • The chemical caused flocculation of the particles in the solution. (The formation of clumps.)

Synonyms

• Tuft: a small cluster of something soft, like hair or feathers.
• Clump: a compact mass or group.
• Fluff: soft, light, downy material.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms