A cloud variety characterized more by the appearance of the spaces between the cloud elements than by the elements themselves. The gaps are generally rounded and often have fringed edges. The overall appearance is that of a honeycomb or net, the negative of that of clouds composed of separate rounded elements. This variety is a modification mainly of the genera cirrocumulus and altocumulus and may apply to the species stratiformis, castellanus, or floccus. See cloud classification.