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Cloud Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cloud

[klaʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in the sky

A visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere, typically high above the ground.

Synonyms

cirrus, cumulus, stratus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cloud

This word is used in general to describe a visible mass of condensed water vapor or ice particles in the atmosphere. It is the broadest and most common term.

  • The sky is full of clouds today.
  • A dark cloud appeared on the horizon.
cumulus

This word describes fluffy, white clouds often associated with fair weather but can develop into larger clouds that bring storms. It is used when describing the appearance of these particular cloud types.

  • There were many cumulus clouds scattered across the sky.
  • The cumulus clouds looked like cotton balls.
cirrus

This term refers to thin, wispy clouds that form at high altitudes, usually composed of ice crystals. It is often used in meteorological contexts.

  • Cirrus clouds indicate fair weather, but they can also signal that a change in the weather is coming.
  • The sky was decorated with delicate cirrus clouds.
stratus

This term is used to describe low, gray clouds that often cover the entire sky like a blanket. Often associated with overcast weather, drizzle, or foggy conditions.

  • The sky was covered by a thick layer of stratus clouds.
  • Stratus clouds often bring a gloomy ambiance.

Examples of usage

  • The sun broke through the clouds.
  • Dark clouds gathered on the horizon.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A network of remote servers hosted on the Internet that store, manage, and process data in place of local servers or personal computers.

Synonyms

data storage, online platform, remote server.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cloud

General term used to describe services and storage provided over the internet.

  • I saved my photos to the cloud.
  • Businesses are increasingly moving their operations to the cloud.
data storage

Specifies the capacity and method of storing data, either locally or online.

  • We need to upgrade our data storage to keep up with demand.
  • Data storage solutions are vital for data-intensive industries.
remote server

Describes a server located in a different physical location, usually accessible via the internet.

  • Our website is hosted on a remote server.
  • Access to the remote server requires VPN authentication.
online platform

Refers to a specific service or environment available on the internet where users can interact or perform specific functions.

  • We use an online platform to manage our projects.
  • The online platform makes it easier to collaborate with team members.

Examples of usage

  • I store all my photos in the cloud.
  • Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we work.
Context #3 | Verb

cover with clouds

Cover or become covered with clouds; overcast.

Synonyms

obscure, overcast, shadow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cloud

Use 'cloud' metaphorically to mean covering or affecting something in a negative way, such as clouding someone's judgment.

  • His anger clouded his ability to reason
  • The scandal clouded her reputation
overcast

Use 'overcast' to describe the weather when the sky is completely covered with clouds, blocking the sun.

  • The day was overcast and chilly
  • The forecast predicts overcast skies for the weekend
obscure

This is apt when something is being made difficult to see, understand, or be aware of, often on purpose.

  • The details of the plan were obscured by technical jargon
  • The mountain was obscured by fog
shadow

Metaphorically, 'shadow' can indicate a dominating presence or influence, often negative.

  • The shadow of doubt loomed over the team
  • He lived in the shadow of his more successful brother

Examples of usage

  • The sky clouded over and it started to rain.
  • His face clouded with anger.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Weather Science

  • Clouds are formed when water vapor in the air cools down and condenses into small droplets.
  • There are different types of clouds, such as cumulus (fluffy), stratus (layered), and cirrus (thin and wispy), each indicating different weather.

Art and Literature

  • Clouds have been a favorite subject in art, inspiring famous painters like Turner and Constable in portraying their beauty.
  • In literature, clouds often symbolize change, uncertainty, or emotions like sadness or hope.

Technology

  • In tech terms, 'cloud' refers to cloud computing, allowing people to store and access data over the internet rather than on a local computer.
  • Many businesses use cloud services for their flexibility, enabling remote access and collaboration across locations.

Cultural References

  • Clouds have special meanings in various cultures, often seen as messengers of gods or symbols of fortune.
  • The phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' suggests that there is always a positive side to difficult situations.

Origin of 'cloud'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cloud' comes from the Old English 'clud' which means a hill or a rock, related to the idea of clouds being 'packed' in the sky.
  • In many languages, words for clouds are often associated with lightness and lifting, reflecting their airy nature.

The word 'cloud' has its origins in the Old English clūd, which is related to the Middle Low German klūt and the Old Norse klūtr. The concept of a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the sky dates back to ancient times, with various cultures having their own interpretations of clouds. In computing, the term 'cloud' was first used in the 1990s to describe a network of remote servers connected via the Internet.

See also: cloudburst, cloudily, cloudiness, clouding, cloudless, cloudy, unclouded.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,816, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.