What type of cloud is typically fluffy and well-defined?

Cumulus clouds are characterized by their fluffy, white appearance and well-defined edges. They often resemble cotton-like formations and are typically associated with fair weather, although they can develop into larger storm clouds under certain conditions. The name "cumulus" itself is derived from the Latin word for "heap" or "pile," which aptly describes their puffy structure.

The distinct, often dome-like shapes of cumulus clouds result from the upward movement of warm air, which causes water vapor to condense and form visible cloud masses. This process highlights their development under conditions of rising convection currents, resulting in the soft edges and prominent tops that are commonly identified with cumulus clouds.

In contrast, stratus clouds tend to form in uniform layers, creating gray, overcast conditions without the fluffy appearance associated with cumulus clouds. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy, and high-altitude clouds, which often indicate changes in weather but lack the distinct bulkiness of cumulus. Nimbus clouds are commonly linked to precipitation and are typically more associated with rain and stormy conditions, often appearing darker and less defined in shape compared to the fluffy cumulus clouds.