nimbus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a dark grey cloud bearing rain
    nimbus cloud; rain cloud.
  2. noun an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
    glory; gloriole; aura; aureole; halo.

WordNet

Nim"bus noun
Etymology
L., a rain storm, a rain cloud, the cloudshaped which enveloped the gods when they appeared on earth.
Wordforms
plural L Nimbi E Nimbuses
Definitions
  1. (Fine Arts) A circle, or disk, or any indication of radiant light around the heads of divinities, saints, and sovereigns, upon medals, pictures, etc.; a halo. See Aureola, and Glory, n., 5. ✍ "The nimbus is of pagan origin." "As an atribute of power, the nimbus is often seen attached to the heads of evil spirits." Fairholl.
  2. (Meteor.) A rain cloud; one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See Cloud.

Webster 1913