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cumulonimbus - 3 dictionary results

cu⋅mu⋅lo⋅nim⋅bus

[kyoo-myuh-loh-nim-buhs]
–noun, plural -bus.
a cloud of a class indicative of thunderstorm conditions, characterized by large, dense towers that often reach altitudes of 30,000 ft. (9000 m) or more, cumuliform except for their tops, which appear fibrous because of the presence of ice crystals: occurs as a single cloud or as a group with merged bases and separate tops.
Also called thundercloud, thunderclouds, thunderhead.


Origin:
1885–90; cumulo- + nimbus
cu·mu·lo·nim·bus   (kyōōm'yə-lō-nĭm'bəs)   
n.   pl. cu·mu·lo·nim·bus·es or cu·mu·lo·nim·bi (-bī)
An extremely dense, vertically developed cumulus with a relatively hazy outline and a glaciated top extending to great heights, usually producing heavy rains, thunderstorms, or hailstorms.
cumulonimbus   (kym'yə-lō-nĭm'bəs)  Pronunciation Key 
Plural cumulonimbi (kym'yə-lō-nĭm'bī)
An extremely dense, vertically developed cloud with a low, dark base and fluffy masses that tower to great heights. Cumulonimbus clouds usually produce heavy rains, thunderstorms, or hailstorms. Also called thundercloud. See illustration at cloud.
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