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cumulus
noun
cu·mu·lus
ˈkyü-myə-ləs
plural cumuli
ˈkyü-myə-ˌlī
-ˌlē
1
: heap, accumulation
2
[New Latin, from Latin]
: a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain see cloud illustration
Synonyms
Examples of cumulus in a Sentence
the cumulus of sundry things that fill up one's attic and somehow sum up a lifetime of experiences
Recent Examples on the Web
According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment, researchers found that shallow cumulus clouds will dissipate when only a portion of the sun is obscured during the solar eclipse and won't reappear until after the event.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 3 Apr. 2024
Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
The start of the race was a magnificent spectacle—a river of bodies, many wearing flags, channeled through a prim and floral Alpine city with blue and cumulus skies above and towering snowy peaks all around while bass Vangelis music pumped across the main square.
—Tom Mullen, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024
The presence of cumulus clouds (those fluffy, puffy white clouds) also makes for a great sunset, explains Marisa Marulli, a conservation photographer.
—Brittany Anas, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Latin
First Known Use
1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near cumulus
Cite this Entry
“Cumulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumulus. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
cumulus
noun
cu·mu·lus
ˈkyü-myə-ləs
plural cumuli
-ˌlī
-ˌlē
: a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain
Medical Definition
cumulus
noun
cu·mu·lus
ˈkyü-myə-ləs
plural cumuli
-ˌlī, -ˌlē
: the projecting mass of granulosa cells that bears the developing ovum in a graafian follicle
called also discus proligerus
More from Merriam-Webster on cumulus
Nglish: Translation of cumulus for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cumulus
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