cloud seeding

American  

noun

1. any technique of adding material to a cloud to alter its natural development, usually to increase or obtain precipitation.

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cloud seeding Scientific  

1. A method of making a cloud give up its moisture as rain, especially by releasing particles of dry ice or silver iodide into cold clouds. Dry ice freezes water droplets in the cloud, turning them into nuclei for the formation of raindrops. Silver iodide particles are used because they have a crystal structure similar to ice and can also serve as nuclei for raindrop formation.

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cloud seeding Cultural  

1. A technique for producing rain by dropping chemicals or small objects into clouds.

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Etymology

Origin of cloud seeding

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cloud seeding

Essentially, cloud seeding speeds up the natural process of water vapor condensing inside of clouds.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

"With the right conditions, cloud seeding squeeze out about an extra five to 10% of precipitation," says Jon Meyer, an assistant state climatologist with the Utah Climate Center.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Neighbouring Uzbekistan has also expressed interest in the method and is looking at trialing its own cloud seeding project.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

Security Minister Djamari Chaniago said Monday Indonesia had deployed 43 helicopters and up to 15 fixed-wing planes for cloud seeding where needed.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

Today, many experts say cloud seeding can boost precipitation by roughly 10%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025