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Scudded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scudded

[ˈskʌdəd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement, weather

The term 'scudded' refers to the act of moving quickly or hurriedly, typically used in the context of clouds or other elements in nature that are driven along by the wind. It describes a rapid motion that can contribute to a dynamic and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. Often, it is used to depict scenes where clouds are racing across the sky, creating a sense of urgency and change in the weather patterns. Generally, it conveys a vigorous and lively action, often implying a sense of fleetingness or transience.

Synonyms

darted, flitted, skittered.

Examples of usage

  • The clouds scudded across the sky.
  • Leaves scudded along the ground in the wind.
  • She scudded away from the rain.
  • The ship scudded over the waves.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Weather Phenomena

  • Scudding clouds often indicate changing weather, as they can signal wind shifts that precede storms.
  • They can create dramatic views in the sky, as they race across, sometimes forming unique shapes.
  • Meteorologists use the term to describe certain types of cloud movement that suggest instability in the atmosphere.

Literature

  • In poetry, scudded clouds often represent fleeting moments, perfect for imagery about the passage of time.
  • Famous authors like Emily Dickinson used scudded clouds to evoke feelings of change and transition in their works.
  • The swift movement of clouds can symbolize emotional states, like freedom or anxiety, in literary contexts.

Art

  • Artists often capture scudding clouds in landscapes to convey movement and dynamism in their paintings.
  • Impressionist painters like Claude Monet used quick brush strokes to depict the rhythm of moving clouds in their artwork.
  • Photographers seek out scudding clouds for dramatic effects in their skies, as they play with light and shadow.

Nature

  • Scudding can refer not only to clouds but also to other small objects like leaves or waterfowl being swept along by the breeze.
  • Many small animals, like rabbits, scud away quickly when they sense danger, showing an instinctual response to threats.
  • Birds sometimes scud across the water's surface, creating ripples as they take off or land swiftly.

Origin of 'scudded'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'scudded' originated from the Middle English word 'scudden,' which means to run or move swiftly.
  • Related to the word 'scud', which describes light, fast movement, especially of clouds or small waves on water.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old Norse 'skudda', which means 'to move quickly'.

The word 'scudded' originates from the verb 'to scud', which has its roots in the Old Norse word 'skuda', meaning 'to move rapidly'. This word was adopted into Middle English, where its meaning evolved to encompass rapid movement, often related to the behavior of clouds or the swift motion of objects propelled by the wind. Over time, 'scud' has been associated with a sense of hasty or fleeting action, particularly in the context of weather phenomena. As language evolved, the past tense 'scudded' came into common use to describe such occurrences, reinforcing the word's connection to transient movements and natural forces.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,385, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.