nimbostratus

[ nim-boh-strey-tuhs, -strat-uhs ]

noun

, plural nim·bo·stra·tus.

1. a cloud of a class characterized by a formless layer that is almost uniformly dark gray; a rain cloud of the layer type, of low altitude, usually below 8,000 feet (2,440 meters).

nimbostratus

/ ˌnɪmbəʊˈstreɪtəs; -ˈstrɑːtəs /

noun

1. a dark-coloured rain-bearing stratus cloud

nimbostratus

/ nĭm′bō-străt′əs /

, Plural nimbostrati nĭm′bō-străt′ī′

1. A dark, gray, mid-altitude cloud that often covers the entire sky and precipitates rain, snow, or sleet. Nimbostratus clouds generally form around 2,000 m (6,560 ft) but often extend to much higher and lower altitudes.
2. See illustration at cloud

Word History and Origins

Origin of nimbostratus¹

First recorded in 1885–90; nimbo- + stratus