Category:Nimbus

Nim"bus, n.; pl. L. Nimbi, e. Nimbuses. Etym: [l., a rain storm, a Rain cloud, the cloudshaped which enveloped the gods when they Appeared on earth.]

1. (fine arts)

Defn: 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.

Note: "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.)

Defn: a rain cloud; one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See cloud.