Clouding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

☁️
Add to dictionary

clouding

[ˈklaʊdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weather

The state of the sky when it is covered with clouds.

Synonyms

cloud cover, overcast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
clouding

Used to describe the process of clouds forming or something becoming less clear, often metaphorically for situations becoming confusing or unclear.

  • The sky was clouding over as the storm approached.
  • His judgments were clouding, making it hard to make a decision.
overcast

Describes the sky when it is completely covered with clouds, resulting in dull or gloomy weather.

  • It was an overcast day with no sign of the sun.
  • The picnic was canceled due to overcast skies.
cloud cover

Refers to the amount of sky covered by clouds, often used in weather reports.

  • The weather forecast predicts heavy cloud cover tomorrow.
  • Despite the cloud cover, it was still warm outside.

Examples of usage

  • The clouding of the sky signaled an impending storm.
  • The clouding made the day feel cooler.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

The act of storing data or applications on remote servers accessed over the internet.

Synonyms

cloud computing, remote storage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
clouding

This term is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where something is becoming less clear or more confusing. It can refer to both literal and figurative obfuscation.

  • The fog outside is clouding my view of the road.
  • His vague answers were clouding the issue during the meeting.
cloud computing

This refers to the use of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data. It is commonly used in the context of technology, IT services, and digital transformation.

  • Many businesses are migrating to cloud computing to reduce costs and improve flexibility.
  • Cloud computing services like AWS and Azure are popular choices for startups.
remote storage

This is the practice of storing data on remote servers, which is part of cloud computing but can also be described more specifically in the context of backup solutions and data storage strategies.

  • Using remote storage for your backups ensures data is protected offsite.
  • The company adopted remote storage solutions to safeguard their critical data.

Examples of usage

  • Clouding allows for easy access to files from anywhere.
  • Many companies are now clouding their information for security reasons.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In meteorology, clouding refers to the process where air moisture condenses into clouds, affecting weather patterns and visibility.
  • Clouding can also refer to physical changes in liquids, such as when substances mix and create opacity, common in various scientific experiments.
  • Researchers study clouding to understand its effects on climate change, particularly how clouds influence temperature and interaction with sunlight.

Psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, 'clouding' may describe a mental state where emotions or biases obscure clear thinking or decision-making.
  • Stress and fatigue can lead to mental clouding, where individuals find it difficult to concentrate or process information effectively.
  • Therapists often help clients recognize and clear mental clouding to improve emotional clarity.

Literature

  • In literature, clouding serves as a metaphor for confusion or lack of clarity, often reflecting complex emotions in characters.
  • Poets frequently use cloud imagery to evoke feelings of sorrow, uncertainty, and introspection, enriching the narrative depth.
  • The phrase 'clouded judgment' is used in many works to symbolize a character's internal struggle or conflict, adding to their development.

Art

  • Artists have used the concept of clouding in visual arts, portraying hazy backgrounds to create mood and depth in their work.
  • The technique of 'clouding' is sometimes applied in painting to achieve soft transitions between colors, enhancing the atmospheric effect.
  • In photography, the term can describe when an image appears obscured, either intentionally for artistic effect or unintentionally due to lens issues.

Origin of 'clouding'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'clouding' comes from the Old English word 'clud', meaning 'mass of rock' or 'hill', which relates to cloudy shapes in the sky.
  • In the 14th century, 'cloud' began to refer specifically to the visible mass of water droplets in the sky, leading to the verb form we use today.
  • The expansion into a metaphorical use, referring to unclear situations or thoughts, became common in the 19th century.

The word 'clouding' has evolved from the Old English word 'clud,' which meant a mass of clouds. Over time, the term has taken on new meanings related to technology and weather, reflecting advancements in both fields. Today, 'clouding' is commonly used in the context of cloud computing and meteorology, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of language.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,419, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.