Definition of nimbus
nimbi
play \ˈnim-ˌbī, -ˌbē\ ornimbuses
1a : a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earthb : a cloud or atmosphere (as of romance) about a person or thing
2 : an indication (such as a circle) of radiant light or glory about the head of a drawn or sculptured divinity, saint, or sovereign
3a : a rain cloudb : thunderhead; also : cumulus 2
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Examples of nimbus in a Sentence
fans are inevitably disappointed when the nimbus of glamour about their favorite celebrity turns out to be an illusion
the nimbi for the sculpted figures around the exterior of the church are simple disks about the saints' heads
Illustration of nimbus
Origin and Etymology of nimbus
Latin, rainstorm, cloud; probably akin to Latin nebula cloud — more at nebula
First Known Use: 1606
NIMBUS Defined for English Language Learners
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nimbus
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nimbi
\-ˌbī\ ornimbuses
: a rain cloud
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See words that rhyme with nimbus Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nimbus Britannica English: Translation of nimbus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nimbus
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