Thunderhead Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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thunderhead
[ˈθʌndərˌhɛd ]
Definition
weather phenomenon
A thunderhead is a large, towering cumulus cloud that often indicates the presence of thunderstorms. These clouds typically have a dark base and an anvil-shaped top. The formation of a thunderhead is associated with rising warm, moist air, which cools and condenses, leading to severe weather patterns. When fully developed, thunderheads can produce heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds.
Synonyms
cumulonimbus, storm cloud.
Examples of usage
- The thunderhead approached quickly, darkening the sky.
- We could see the thunderhead forming in the distance.
- Nature's fury was evident in the massive thunderhead overhead.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Meteorology
- Thunderheads are types of cumulonimbus clouds known for their towering shapes and association with severe weather.
- They are formed when warm, moist air rises quickly, cooling and condensing into water droplets, creating dramatic cloud formations.
- A thunderhead can often reach heights of over 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), making them some of the tallest clouds in the atmosphere.
Cultural References
- The term 'thunderhead' appears in popular literature and media often portraying storms or dramatic weather events, symbolizing chaos or intensity.
- In the movie 'Twister,' storm chasers encounter thunderheads as they pursue tornadoes, emphasizing their connection to severe storms.
- The phrase 'thunderhead' is sometimes used metaphorically in discussions about strong leaders or impactful figures, as in someone leading with forceful ideas.
Science
- Thunderheads can produce severe weather phenomena, including heavy rain, hail, lightning, and tornadoes.
- The release of energy from thunderheads can cause pressure changes in the atmosphere, leading to thunder and lightning.
- Some thunderheads can develop an anvil shape, which is a signature look of severe weather capable of long-distance lightning strikes.
Art
- Artists often depict thunderheads in paintings to illustrate the might of nature and its unpredictability.
- Photographers are known to capture the stunning contrasts of light and dark created by thunderheads against a sunset.
- In poetry, thunderheads can symbolize emotional turmoil or foreshadow changes, linking nature's power with human experience.
History
- Ancient cultures often attributed thunderheads to the actions of gods, interpreting storms as divine messages or omens.
- During the 19th century, the study of thunderheads and storms became a key focus in meteorology, leading to better weather prediction practices.
- In folklore, thunderheads were sometimes associated with giants or natural spirits, depicting the awe they inspired in people.
Origin of 'thunderhead'
The word 'thunderhead' comes from the combination of 'thunder,' which has Old English origins meaning 'thunder' or 'to roar,' and 'head,' used to describe the top or summit of something. The term likely emerged in the late 19th century as meteorology began to develop into a scientific discipline. With advances in observational techniques and the study of weather patterns, the term became more widely recognized among both professionals and the general public. Thunderheads are particularly noticeable in regions with warm, moist climates, where they serve as a visible indicator of impending storms.