Cloud word	Meaning
cumulus	heap
stratus	layer
cirrus	curl of hair (wisp)
nimbus	rain

If you add to these the word 'alto' (from the latin 'altus'='high') which is used to mean medium height and you have a do-it-yourself cloud-naming kit. So if the cloud is medium height and flat you have alto (medium) + stratus (layer) = altostratus. If the cloud looks like a big heap of rain (nasty dark clouds) then cumulus (heap) + nimbus (rain) = cumulonimbus. Easy huh?

So, what do they look like?

Cirrus Wispy. These are high level clouds that look very thin and wispy. They often appear during good weather.

Cirrostratus Wispy and flat. Cirrostratus are high-level translucent cloud layers that can often only be spotted by seeing a halo around the sun (or moon if you have good eyesight).

Altocumulus Medium-height heaps of cloud. These can be parallel bands of cloud or rounded masses; either will have some darker parts in the cloud and are at medium height. This type of cloud on a warm and humid summer's day often is followed by thunderstorms.

Stratocumulus Flat heap of cloud(!) These are low level, lumpy layers of cloud often accompanied by light precipitation. A mix of shaeds of grey with some clear sky showing between lumpy bits.

Nimbostratus Flat cloud with rain. Dark, low clouds with medium levels of precipitation.

Cumulonimbus Heap of rain. Tall piles of cloud with lots of water in them. Can lead to big weather.

Fair weather cumulus Heap of nice cloud. Piles of cloud but on a good day. Can develop into its nastier cousin, cumulonimbus.