Mare's tail

/mɛrz teɪl/ noun

Definition

A long, thin, wispy cirrus cloud formation that looks like the streaming tail of a horse; also a type of aquatic plant.

Etymology

From the resemblance to a horse's tail streaming in the wind. Sailors used mare's tails as weather predictors — they often signal approaching warm fronts and rain within 36 hours.

Kelly Says

Those long wispy clouds that streak across the sky like a horse galloping through heaven! Sailors knew: 'mare's tails and mackerel scales make tall ships carry low sails' — rain is coming! 🐴☁️

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