Cumulonimbi: meaning, definitions and examples
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cumulonimbi
[ kjuːm.jʊ.ləˈnɪm.baɪ ]
weather phenomena
Cumulonimbi, or cumulonimbus clouds, are towering, dense clouds associated with thunderstorms and atmospheric instability. These clouds can reach great heights, often extending well into the stratosphere, and are characterized by a thick, dark appearance at their base, with a lighter, fluffy appearance at the top. Cumulonimbi are capable of producing severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes. They are primarily formed through convection, where warm air rises and cools, leading to condensation of water vapor.
Synonyms
storm cloud, thunderstorm cloud.
Examples of usage
- The cumulonimbi loomed ominously on the horizon.
- We could hear thunder rumbling beneath the cumulonimbus clouds.
- Cumulonimbi often indicate an approaching storm.
- Meteorologists monitor cumulonimbi for severe weather warnings.
Translations
Translations of the word "cumulonimbi" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cumulonimbus
🇮🇳 क्यूमुलोनिम्बस
🇩🇪 Cumulonimbus
🇮🇩 cumulonimbus
🇺🇦 кумулонімби
🇵🇱 cumulonimbus
🇯🇵 積乱雲
🇫🇷 cumulonimbus
🇪🇸 cumulonimbo
🇹🇷 kumulonimbus
🇰🇷 적운
🇸🇦 سحب الركام
🇨🇿 cumulonimbus
🇸🇰 cumulonimbus
🇨🇳 积雨云
🇸🇮 cumulonimbus
🇮🇸 kumulonimbus
🇰🇿 кумулонімбус
🇬🇪 კუმულონიმბუსი
🇦🇿 kumulonimbus
🇲🇽 cumulonimbo
Etymology
The term 'cumulonimbus' is derived from Latin, with 'cumulus' meaning 'heap' or 'pile', and 'nimbus' meaning 'rain'. The combination reflects the cloud's massive, towering structure and its capability to produce precipitation. The classification of clouds into categories such as cumulus, stratus, and nimbus began in the early 19th century when meteorologists sought to standardize weather observations. The study of clouds, particularly cumulonimbus, has played a crucial role in understanding atmospheric processes and predicting severe weather. As meteorology advanced, the knowledge of cumulonimbi and their formation mechanisms has become essential for both scientific research and weather forecasting.