mackerel sky


noun

an extensive group of cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds, especially when well-marked in their arrangement: so called because of a resemblance to the scales on a mackerel.

Origin of mackerel sky

First recorded in 1660–70

British Dictionary definitions for mackerel sky

mackerel sky

noun

a sky patterned with cirrocumulus or small altocumulus clouds

Word Origin for mackerel sky

from the similarity to the pattern on a mackerel's back