Stratus

Stratus cloud

Stratus clouds are low-level clouds characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base, as opposed to convective or cumuliform clouds formed by rising thermals. The term stratus describes flat, hazy, featureless clouds at low altitudes varying in color from dark gray to nearly white. The word stratus is derived from the prefix Strato- meaning 'layer'. Stratus clouds may produce a light drizzle or a small amount of snow. These clouds are essentially above-ground fog formed either through the lifting of morning fog or through cold air moving at low altitudes. Some call these clouds "high fog" for their fog-like form.

Nimbostratus cloud

A nimbostratus cloud is a multilevel, amorphous, nearly uniform, and often dark-grey cloud that usually produces continuous rain, snow, or sleet, but no lightning or thunder.

Stratus (missile family)

Stratus, formerly known as the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) or FMAN/FMC in French, is a multi-national next generation missile programme launched by France and the United Kingdom in 2017 to succeed their jointly-developed Storm Shadow/SCALP as well as their respective Exocet and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, with Italy in the process of joining as of June 2023. The programme has previously been referred to as the Future Offensive Surface Weapon (FOSW) by the Royal Navy and SPEAR 5 by the Royal Air Force. The Stratus family comprises two missiles, Stratus LO and Stratus RS.

stratus

Noun

1. A principal, low-level cloud type in the form of a gray layer with a rather uniform base, usually not associated with precipitation, and capable of producing corona phenomena and a weak, uniform luminance.