nimbostratus

[ nim-boh-strey-tuh s, -strat-uh s ]
/ ˌnɪm boʊˈstreɪ təs, -ˈstræt əs /

noun, plural nim·bo·stra·tus.

a cloud of a class characterized by a formless layer that is almost uniformly dark gray; a rain cloud of the layer type, of low altitude, usually below 8000 feet (2440 meters).

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Origin of nimbostratus

First recorded in 1885–90; nimbo- + stratus

Words nearby nimbostratus

nim, nim tree, nimble, nimblewit, nimbo-, nimbostratus, nimbus, nimbus clouds, nimby, nimbyism, nimeiry
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for nimbostratus

nimbostratus
/ (ˌnɪmbəʊˈstreɪtəs, -ˈstrɑːtəs) /

noun plural -ti (-taɪ)

a dark-coloured rain-bearing stratus cloud
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for nimbostratus

nimbostratus
[ nĭm′bō-străt′əs ]

Plural nimbostrati (nĭm′bō-străt′ī′)

A dark, gray, mid-altitude cloud that often covers the entire sky and precipitates rain, snow, or sleet. Nimbostratus clouds generally form around 2,000 m (6,560 ft) but often extend to much higher and lower altitudes. See illustration at cloud.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.