rain-cloud

A dark rain-cloud drifts over the sunny hills.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cloud from which rain falls: A "rain-cloud" is a type of cloud that is dense, dark, and laden with moisture, typically producing precipitation in the form of rain.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sky was filled with heavy rain-clouds, so we knew a storm was coming. (Dark clouds carrying rain were visible.)
  • The farmer looked at the rain-clouds with hope for his crops. (Clouds that would bring needed water.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be under a rain-cloud": to be in a state of gloom or misfortune (figurative extension).
  • Ever since the accident, he has been under a rain-cloud of sadness. (A persistent mood of depression.)

Variants and Related Words

• Raincloud (n, alternative spelling): the same meaning, often written as one word without a hyphen.

  • The rainclouds gathered over the mountains. (Same as rain-clouds.)

• Cloudburst (n): a sudden and heavy fall of rain from a rain-cloud.

  • A cloudburst drenched the parade in minutes. (A short, intense rainstorm from a rain-cloud.)

Synonyms

• Nimbus cloud: a cloud that produces precipitation; the scientific term for a rain-cloud.
• Storm cloud: a dark, threatening cloud that often precedes rain or other severe weather.

Related Idioms

• Every cloud has a silver lining: a proverb meaning that even difficult or gloomy situations (like a rain-cloud) have a positive aspect.

  • Though the rain-clouds ruined our picnic, we found a cozy café. Every cloud has a silver lining. (A positive outcome from a negative event.)

• A cloud on the horizon: a sign of trouble or difficulty approaching, similar to a rain-cloud.

  • His financial problems were a rain-cloud on the horizon. (A looming problem.)