nimbus Hear it!

nimbus Definition

nim·bus (nim′bəs)

noun pl. -·bi′-bī′ or -·buses

  1. Myth. a bright cloud surrounding gods or goddesses appearing on earth
  2. an aura of splendor about any person or thing
  3. a halo or bright disk surrounding the head of a divinity, saint, or sovereign on pictures, medals, etc.
  4. any rain-producing cloud

Etymology: L, violent rain, black rain cloud < IE base *nebh-, moist, cloud > L nebula

nimbus Synonyms

nimbus

n.

aura, radiance, glow, halo, circle of light, aureole, nebula, aurora, cloud, nebulous light, effulgence, emanation; see also halo, light 1.

nimbus Usage Examples

Converse of object

have: The central figure might have a nimbus or halo, indicating that he is a saint, so perhaps the other figures represent demons.

Noun used with modifier

cumulo: It looks like cumulo nimbus, isn't it?