nimbostratus

American  

[nim-boh-strey-tuhs, -strat-uhs] / ˌnɪm boʊˈstreɪ təs, -ˈstræt əs /

noun

1. 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 8,000 feet (2,440 meters).

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nimbostratus British  

/ -ˈstrɑːtəs, ˌnɪmbəʊˈstreɪtəs /

noun

1. a dark-coloured rain-bearing stratus cloud

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nimbostratus Scientific  

/ nĭm′bō-străt′əs /

nimbostrati plural

1. 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.

2. See illustration at cloud

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• nimbostratus
  plural

Etymology

Origin of nimbostratus

First recorded in 1885–90; nimbo- + stratus

Example Sentences

"Nimbostratus are a thick, dark grey layer that produces continuous rain or snow."

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2012