Definition 1 of 2
Plain English Meaning
A low, lumpy cloud layer that looks like a sheet of bumpy, puffy patches stuck together. It sits low in the sky and can cover most of it, but you can usually see breaks or shading between the lumps.
Full Definition
A low-level cloud type forming a layer or patches of rounded, lumpy cloud masses, typically with bases between the surface and 6,500 feet AGL. Stratocumulus combines the layered character of stratus with the heaped, cellular structure of cumulus, often appearing as a gray or whitish sheet broken into rolls, rounded patches, or distinct elements with visible gaps or shading between them.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather reports, flight planning, and outside the cockpit when judging cloud layers and possible low cloud conditions.
Derivation
From Latin stratus, meaning 'spread out' or 'layered,' combined with cumulus, meaning 'heap' or 'pile.' The name describes exactly what the cloud is: a layered sheet made up of heaped, lumpy elements.