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

Iranian authorities have carried out several cloud seeding operations to induce rainfall in recent months and resorted to cutting off water supplies periodically to manage consumption.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

In two other decades-old projects, the government tried but failed to manipulate hurricanes using cloud seeding, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Also at the party were six high-school girls from an FFA agricultural program in Tahoka, Texas, who flew in to perform a skit they wrote about cloud seeding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Wyoming agricultural interests also asked that cloud seeding be exempt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

For nearly an hour, Doricko told Ryan’s listeners what cloud seeding is and isn’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025