cumulonimbus

[kyoo-myuh-loh-nim-buh s] /ˌkyu myə loʊˈnɪm bəs/

noun, plural cumulonimbus.

a cloud of a class indicative of thunderstorm conditions, characterized by large, dense towers that often reach altitudes of 30,000 feet (9000 meters) or more, cumuliform except for their tops, which appear fibrous because of the presence of ice crystals: occurs as a single cloud or as a group with merged bases and separate tops.

Also called thundercloud, thunderclouds, thunderhead.

Origin

1885-90; cumulo- + nimbus

British Dictionary definitions for cumulonimbus

cumulonimbus

/ˌkjuːmjʊləʊˈnɪmbəs/

noun (pl) -bi (-baɪ), -buses

(meteorol) a cumulus cloud of great vertical extent, the top often forming an anvil shape and the bottom being dark coloured, indicating rain or hail: associated with thunderstorms

Word Origin and History for cumulonimbus

1887, from cumulo-, comb. form of cumulus, + nimbus.

cumulonimbus in Science

cumulonimbus

(kym'yə-lō-nĭm'bəs)
Plural cumulonimbi (kym'yə-lō-nĭm'bī)
An extremely dense, vertically developed cloud with a low, dark base and fluffy masses that tower to great heights. Cumulonimbus clouds usually produce heavy rains, thunderstorms, or hailstorms. Also called thundercloud. See illustration at cloud.