A nimbus cloud is a cloud that produces precipitation. Usually the precipitation reaches the ground as rain, hail, snow, or sleet. Falling precipitation may evaporate as virga.
Since nimbus clouds are dense with water, they appear darker than other clouds. Additionally, nimbus clouds can be characterized by their great height. Nimbus clouds are formed at low altitudes and are typically spread uniformly across the sky.
Read more about Nimbus Cloud: Etymology
Famous quotes containing the word cloud:
“Sometimes we see a cloud that’s dragonish,
A vapor sometimes like a bear or lion,
A towered citadel, a pendant rock,
A forked mountain, or blue promontory
With trees upon ‘t that nod unto the world
And mock our eyes with air. Thou hast seen these signs;
They are black vesper’s pageants.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)