cloudtop
Where cumulus peaks
Cloudtop refers to the upper surface of a cloud mass as seen from above—from an airplane, satellite, or mountain peak.
Meteorologists use cloudtop temperature and height to analyze storm intensity and atmospheric conditions.
The word evokes that distinctive landscape of billowing white seen when flying above the weather: We broke through the clouds and cruised above an endless field of cloudtops.
Dense, billowing cloud type
- stratusLow, flat cloud layer
- cirrusHigh wispy ice formation
- cumulonimbusTowering storm-producing cloud
- nimbusLuminous disk or raincloud
troposphere · stratosphere · condensation · anvil · precipitation · overcast · cloudscape · formation
Peak or diplomatic gathering
- peakUtmost height attained
- elevationHeight above reference point
- heightVertical extent upward
- apexUppermost point or culmination
zenith · pinnacle · crest · mountaintop · skyline · lofty · ascend · climb
cumulus
Dense, billowing cloud type
- stratusLow, flat cloud layer
- cirrusHigh wispy ice formation
- cumulonimbusTowering storm-producing cloud
nimbus · troposphere · stratosphere · condensation · anvil · precipitation · overcast · cloudscape · formation · convection
summit
Peak or diplomatic gathering
apex · zenith · pinnacle · crest · mountaintop · skyline · lofty · ascend · climb · soaring
cruising
Moving at relaxed pace
- altitudeMeasured height above reference
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- cockpitPilot's control compartment
window · descent · turbulence · contrail · jetstream · pilot · cabin · horizon · visibility · instrument
fluffy
Soft and light-textured
cottony · feathery · soft · pillowy · frothy · misty · vaporous · ethereal · gossamer · diaphanous
cloud, top, clouds, cloudy, cloudier, cloudiest, cloudiness, clouded, clouding