What genus of clouds is characterized by detached, white, delicate filaments or patches?

The genus of clouds characterized by detached, white, delicate filaments or patches is Cirrus. Cirrus clouds are high-altitude clouds that form in the upper troposphere, typically above 20,000 feet. They consist of ice crystals and appear wispy, often resembling hair or feathers due to their thin, filamentous structures.

Cirrus clouds are significant because they can indicate a change in the weather, often signaling the approach of a warm front. Their presence can also suggest that moisture is present at higher altitudes, potentially leading to precipitation. The light and airy appearance of cirrus clouds makes them distinct from other types of clouds, which can have different forms and characteristics, such as the dense, layered structure of stratus, the puffy appearance of cumulus, or the thick, rain-bearing nature of nimbostratus.