Definition

1. Noun:
   • A luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint: A circle or disk of light, often depicted in art, surrounding the head of a sacred figure to signify holiness, glory, or divine status.
   • A dark cloud that brings rain: In meteorology, a type of cloud that is dark, grey, and typically associated with precipitation.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Halo):

  • In the painting, the saint is easily identified by the golden nimbus around his head.
  • The iconography often depicts angels with a subtle nimbus.

• Noun (Rain Cloud):

  • A thick nimbus covered the sky, promising a heavy downpour.
  • The forecast warned of nimbi approaching from the west.

Advanced Usage

• "Nimbus of power/influence": Used metaphorically to describe an aura or atmosphere of a particular quality that surrounds a person or thing.
  • The CEO entered the room with a nimbus of absolute authority that silenced everyone.

Variants and Related Words

• Nimbi: (plural) A less common plural form of "nimbus," often used in technical or classical contexts.
• Nimbused: (adjective) Describing something that has or is surrounded by a nimbus.
  • The nimbused figure in the mosaic represents divine grace.
• Cumulonimbus: (noun) A specific type of dense, towering vertical cloud associated with thunderstorms and heavy rain. (This is a compound word listed separately as a related meteorological term).

Synonyms

• Halo: A circle of light, especially around the head.
• Aureole: A radiant light around the head or body, synonymous with a halo in art.
• Glory: Used in religious art for a halo or nimbus.
• Rain cloud: A general term for a cloud that produces precipitation.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be under a nimbus: To be in a state or condition suggested by the metaphorical use (e.g., under a cloud of suspicion, though this is not a fixed idiom with "nimbus").
  • The disgraced official lived under a nimbus of scandal. (This is an illustrative example of metaphorical use).

Noun

1. an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
2. a dark grey cloud bearing rain