What does "nimbus" indicate when describing clouds?

" Nimbus" is a term derived from the Latin word for "rain," and it specifically indicates that a cloud is associated with precipitation. When clouds are described as "nimbus," it often implies that they are capable of producing rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.

The presence of "nimbus" in cloud nomenclature, such as in "nimbostratus" or "cumulonimbus," highlights the cloud's ability to generate significant wet weather. For example, nimbostratus clouds are thick, gray layers that typically bring continuous, steady precipitation, while cumulonimbus clouds are towering clouds associated with severe weather, including thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Understanding this terminology helps in weather forecasting and interpreting sky conditions, as clouds described with "nimbus" should be closely monitored for potential rain or stormy weather.