cloud-burst

cloud-burst

A sudden cloud-burst sent people running for cover.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A sudden, heavy rainfall; a downpour of rain of exceptional intensity and short duration.
    • Note: This term is often used to describe a brief but violent storm that releases a large volume of water in a localized area.
Usage Examples
  • (A sudden, heavy rainstorm.)
  • (A brief but intense rainfall beneficial for crops.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to experience a cloud-burst": to be caught in or witness a sudden, torrential downpour.

    • Hikers in the mountains experienced a cloud-burst and had to take shelter immediately. (They encountered a sudden heavy rainstorm.)

  • "cloud-burst of emotion": a metaphorical use referring to a sudden, overwhelming outburst of feelings (e.g., tears, anger).

    • Her speech was a cloud-burst of grief and joy mixed together. (A sudden, intense release of emotion.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Cloudburst (n): the standard spelling (often written as one word without a hyphen) referring to the same phenomenon.

    • The weather forecast warned of possible cloudbursts in the afternoon. (Sudden heavy rainstorms.)

  • Burst (v/n): to break open or apart suddenly; a sudden outbreak.

    • The pipe burst under pressure. (It broke suddenly.)
    • A burst of applause followed the performance. (A sudden outbreak of clapping.)
Synonyms
  • Downpour: a heavy fall of rain.
  • Deluge: a severe flood or heavy downpour; often implies overwhelming quantity.
  • Torrent: a strong, fast-moving stream of water, often used for heavy rain.
Idioms
  • "a cloud-burst of trouble": a sudden outpouring of problems or difficulties.
    • The company faced a cloud-burst of complaints after the product recall. (A sudden wave of negative feedback.)
Phrasal Verbs

None directly associated with "cloud-burst" as a noun; however, the verb "burst" is used in related contexts: - Burst out: to suddenly begin to do something (e.g., laugh, cry). - She burst out laughing at the joke. (Suddenly started laughing.)

Note on Usage
  • "Cloud-burst" is primarily a noun and is less common in formal writing; "cloudburst" (without hyphen) is the preferred spelling in modern dictionaries. It is often used in meteorology or dramatic descriptions of weather.