nimbo
Lemma Details
Translation: nimbus; rain cloud; halo; aureole
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'nimbus', meaning 'cloud', 'rain cloud', or 'halo'. The English word 'nimbus' is a direct cognate. In meteorology, nimbus clouds (cumulonimbus, nimbostratus) are rain-bearing clouds. In art, a nimbus refers to a radiant light or halo around a divine or sacred figure.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 70%
Register: formal, technical
Example Usage
El nimbo oscuro anunciaba una fuerte tormenta.
The dark rain cloud announced a strong storm.
En la pintura, el santo está representado con un nimbo dorado alrededor de su cabeza.
In the painting, the saint is depicted with a golden halo around his head.
Los nimbos son nubes que producen precipitación.
Nimbus clouds are clouds that produce precipitation.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'nimbo' as related to 'nimbus' in English - the dark rain clouds.
- Associate with Nimbus 2000, the flying broomstick from Harry Potter that soars through clouds.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used primarily in meteorological contexts when discussing cloud types, or in art history and religious contexts when referring to the halo or light surrounding divine figures in paintings and religious iconography.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'nimbo' refers to a cloud or halo, 'limbo' refers to an uncertain state or condition, or in Catholic theology, a region on the border of hell.
Confused word:
Su solicitud quedó en el limbo por meses.
His application was left in limbo for months.
Notes: The words sound similar but have completely different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: 'Nimbo' starts with 'N' for 'Nubes' (clouds), while 'limbo' starts with 'L' for 'Lugar indefinido' (undefined place).