Cirrostratus

/ˌsɪroʊˈstreɪtəs/ noun

Definition

A thin, wispy, sheet-like cloud formation found at high altitudes, composed of ice crystals and often creating a veil-like appearance across the sky.

Etymology

From Latin cirrus (curl, wisp) + stratus (layer, spread out). Combines the concept of wispy clouds with layered/sheet formations in the meteorological classification system.

Kelly Says

Cirrostratus clouds often create beautiful optical phenomena like halos around the sun or moon—the ice crystals act like tiny prisms bending light into perfect circles!

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