CUMULONIMBUS Definition & Meaning

cumulonimbus

[kyoo-myuh-loh-nim-buhs]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

Meteorology.

cumulonimbus

a cloud of a class indicative of thunderstorm conditions, characterized by large, dense towers that often reach altitudes of 30,000 feet (9,000 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.

cumulonimbus

/ ˌ��ː��ʊ��əʊˈ��ɪ��ə�� /

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

cumulonimbus

cumulonimbi

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

Discover More

First recorded in 1885–90; cumulo- + nimbus

Discover More

Examples have not been reviewed.

Mammatus is most often found at the base of a thunderstorm cloud called cumulonimbus.

From

Convective - up and down drafts in and surrounding thunderstorm clouds, called cumulonimbus.

From

Thunderstorms are powerful and complex phenomena, with air inside a cumulonimbus storm cloud moving rapidly upwards and downwards.

From

Storms that create thunder, lightning and hail are only produced by cumulonimbus clouds.

From

In these storms, rotations can occur in the base of the cumulonimbus cloud which extends down to the ground.

From

Browse