rain cloud
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A dark, thick cloud that contains or is producing precipitation in the form of rain.
Usage
The term "rain cloud" is used to describe a specific type of cloud formation that signals imminent or ongoing rainfall. It is a compound noun where "rain" specifies the type of "cloud."
Examples
- The sky filled with rain clouds, so we decided to cancel the picnic.
- You can see a large rain cloud approaching from the west.
- Those dark rain clouds will likely bring a storm this afternoon.
Advanced Usage
- Metaphorical Use: "Rain cloud" can be used metaphorically to represent a source of gloom, trouble, or sadness.
- Example: His constant complaints were a rain cloud over the entire office.
Variants and Related Words
- Nimbostratus: The specific meteorological term for a dark, gray, often featureless cloud layer that produces continuous rain or snow.
- Cumulonimbus: A towering, anvil-shaped cloud associated with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and sometimes hail.
- Storm cloud: A cloud that brings or threatens a storm, often used interchangeably with "rain cloud" but can imply more severe weather.
Synonyms
- Storm cloud
- Nimbus (in a general, non-technical sense)
Antonyms
- Clear sky
- Fair-weather cloud (e.g., cumulus)
Noun
- a dark grey cloud bearing rain