nimbostratus

noun

nim·​bo·​stra·​tus ˌnim-bō-ˈstrā-təs How to pronounce nimbostratus (audio) -ˈstra- How to pronounce nimbostratus (audio)
: a low dark layer of gray cloud usually producing light continuous rain or snow see cloud illustration

Examples of nimbostratus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Low level nimbostratus clouds were everywhere, mostly opaque with patches of translucence. Sharman Apt Russell, Discover Magazine, 7 July 2018 Mid-level clouds are usually gray and are identified as either altocumulus, altostratus, or nimbostratus. Catherine Zuckerman, National Geographic, 24 Apr. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nimbostratus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin nimbus + New Latin stratus stratus

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nimbostratus was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near nimbostratus

Cite this Entry

“Nimbostratus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nimbostratus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nimbostratus

noun
nim·​bo·​stra·​tus ˌnim-bō-ˈstrāt-əs How to pronounce nimbostratus (audio) -ˈstrat- How to pronounce nimbostratus (audio)
: a low dark gray layer of cloud that usually produces rain or snow

More from Merriam-Webster on nimbostratus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!