Which type of cloud is characterized by being high, thin, and wispy?

Cirrus clouds are indeed characterized by their high, thin, and wispy appearance. These clouds typically form at altitudes above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) and are composed primarily of ice crystals rather than water droplets due to the colder temperatures at those elevations. Their thin, feather-like appearance often indicates that moisture exists at high altitudes, and they can signal the approach of a warm front or a change in weather.

In contrast, the other cloud types listed have distinct characteristics and formations. Cumulonimbus clouds are tall and towering, often associated with severe weather and thunderstorms. Nimbostratus clouds are thick and dark, characterized by their uniform gray color and capability to produce continuous, steady precipitation. Stratus clouds are low-lying and appear as a uniform gray layer, typically resulting in overcast conditions without significant precipitation.

Understanding these differences helps clarify why cirrus clouds are the correct answer in this context, as other cloud types do not fit the description of being high, thin, and wispy.