The four basic cloud types, as defined by amateur nephologist Mr. Luke Howard at a lecture at Plow Court London on 12 December 1802, are cirrus, cumulus, stratus, and nimbus. Cirrus, from the Latin for "lock of hair," means a tendril or fibrous shape. Cumulus, from the Latin for "heap or pile" means a heap or pile. Stratus, from the Latin for layer, is a horizontal band. And Nimbus, Latin for Cloud, a rainy combination of all three types.