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thundercloud

 - 5 dictionary results

thun⋅der⋅cloud

  [thuhn-der-kloud]
Use thundercloud in a Sentence
–noun
cumulonimbus.
Also, thun⋅der⋅clouds.

Origin:
1690–1700; thunder + cloud

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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To thundercloud
thun·der·cloud   (thŭn'dər-kloud')   
n.  

  1. A large dark cloud charged with electricity and producing thunder and lightning; a cumulonimbus cloud.

  2. Something menacing or dreadful: thunderclouds of impending war.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Science Dictionary
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.
thundercloud   (thŭn'dər-kloud')  Pronunciation Key 
See cumulonimbus.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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