What does the term "cumulus" refer to in cloud classification?

The term "cumulus" refers to a type of cloud characterized by its puffy, white appearance that resembles a heap or pile, which is often likened to cauliflower in terms of its texture and shape. Cumulus clouds form when warm, moist air rises and cools, allowing water vapor to condense into visible droplets. These clouds typically have a flat base and can grow vertically under the right atmospheric conditions, leading to the formation of larger cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorms. The distinct, fluffy appearance of cumulus clouds is indicative of buoyant, rising air, making them one of the most recognizable cloud types in the sky.