How to pronounce 'cirrus'?
cirrus
noun
How to pronounce cirrus?
The word cirrus sounds like cir-rus
/'sɪrəs/
What is the definition of cirrus?
nouna wispy white cloud (usually of fine ice crystals) at a high altitude (4 to 8 miles)
nounusually coiled
nouna slender flexible animal appendage as on barnacles or crinoids or many insects; often tactile
What is the definition of cirrus?
- Cirrus is a type of high-altitude cloud composed of ice crystals.
What is the origin of the word cirrus?
- The word cirrus comes from Latin, meaning "curl" or "fringe".
What are the characteristics of cirrus clouds?
- Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy in appearance, often appearing as white streaks or patches in the sky.
- They are usually located at high altitudes, typically above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters).
- Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals and are formed by the freezing of supercooled water droplets.
How are cirrus clouds formed?
- Cirrus clouds are formed when water vapor in the air condenses directly into ice crystals at high altitudes.
- These ice crystals can form around particles such as dust, smoke, or other microscopic substances in the atmosphere.
What weather is associated with cirrus clouds?
- Cirrus clouds are often associated with fair weather.
- Their presence can indicate the approach of a warm front or a storm system in some cases, but generally, they do not bring precipitation on their own.
What are some common types of cirrus clouds?
- Some common types of cirrus clouds include cirrus fibratus (filamentous cirrus), cirrus uncinus (curved cirrus), and cirrus spissatus (thick cirrus).
Are cirrus clouds dangerous?
- Cirrus clouds themselves are not dangerous.
- However, they can sometimes indicate the presence of other weather conditions or atmospheric phenomena that may have associated risks.
Can cirrus clouds block the sun?
- Cirrus clouds are thin and often translucent, so they do not usually block the sun completely.
- However, they can contribute to the scattering of sunlight, creating halo effects or colorful sunsets.
What is the plural form of cirrus?
- The plural form of cirrus is cirri.
Are cirrus clouds always white?
- Cirrus clouds are typically white, but their appearance can change depending on the angle of the sunlight.
- During sunrise or sunset, they can take on shades of pink, orange, or red.
