ˈnimbəs noun
( plural nim·bi -(ˌ)bī ; or nimbus·es )
Etymology: Latin, rainstorm, cloud; akin to Pahlavi namb dew, mist and perhaps to Latin imber rain, nebula mist — more at imbricate
1.
a. : a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earth
b. : a cloud or atmosphere (as of romance) about a person or thing
before the nimbus of idolatry enveloped him — New York Herald Tribune Book Review
2. : an indication in an art work (as a painting) of radiant light or glory around or above the head of a sacred or venerated personage ; specifically : a circle, disk, rectangle, triangle, or rayed structure about the head of a drawn or sculptured divinity, saint, or sovereign — see aureole 2
3.
a. : the rain cloud characterized by its uniform grayness and extending over the entire sky in seasons of continued rain
b. : a cloud from which rain is falling
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nimbus 2
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