Fractonimbus

/ˌfræktoʊˈnɪmbəs/ noun

Definition

a ragged, fragmented rain cloud; a nimbostratus or cumulonimbus cloud that has broken apart or lost its coherent structure.

Etymology

From Latin fractus (broken) + nimbus (a rain cloud). Literally means 'broken rain-cloud,' describing precipitation clouds with irregular or fragmented appearance.

Kelly Says

Fractonimbus is what the sky looks like after a thunderstorm begins falling apart—a transitional cloud type that forecasters watch because fractured storm clouds behave unpredictably.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.