Hailstones Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hailstones

[ˈheɪlˌstoʊnz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weather

Pellets of frozen rain that fall in showers from cumulonimbus clouds.

Examples of usage

The hailstones were so big that they were damaging cars.
Hailstones can vary in size, from tiny pellets to large balls.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

measurement

A unit of weight equal to 5 grains (0.3248 gram).

Examples of usage

The medicine is dosed in grains and hailstones.
He measured the gold using hailstones as a reference.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Weather Phenomena

Hailstorms are most common in the spring and summer when warm air rises quickly and can form large storm clouds.
The largest hailstone on record weighed over 2.2 pounds and was 8 inches in diameter, found in South Dakota in 2010.
Hailstones can cause significant damage to crops, vehicles, and buildings, making them a serious weather hazard.

Cultural References

In literature, hail is often a metaphor for sudden disaster or a torrential downpour of challenges.
Some cultures celebrate rain and hail as blessings for bringing necessary water, but they also recognize the dangers they can bring.
Several artistic works symbolize hail as a sign of conflict, reflecting turmoil that disturbs nature.

Science

Hailstones can exhibit concentric rings of ice, revealing how many times they were tossed up and down in the storm before falling.
Temperature plays a crucial role in determining whether rain will fall as water droplets or hailstones.
Meteorologists study hail patterns using radar technology to predict severe weather and protect communities.

Impact on Environment

Hail can disrupt ecosystems by destroying plants and habitats, affecting both wildlife and agriculture.
Many farmers consider hail a significant threat, as it can devastate crops in just minutes.
Hailstorms contribute to soil erosion, which can lead to long-term environmental consequences.

Origin of 'hailstones'

Main points about word origin

The word 'hail' comes from the Old English 'hægel,' which means 'hail' or 'frozen rain.'
Hailstones form when water droplets freeze while being pushed up and down in storm clouds.
The term 'stone' reflects the hard, solid nature of hail; they can vary greatly in size.

The word 'hailstones' originated from the Old English word 'hagolstān', which was a combination of 'hagol' (hail) and 'stān' (stone). Hailstones have been mentioned in various ancient texts and were associated with different beliefs and superstitions. They have been observed and studied by meteorologists for centuries, contributing to our understanding of weather patterns and phenomena.