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Definitions of nimbus

1. 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. Webster Dictionary DB

2. A rain cloud; one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See Cloud. Webster Dictionary DB

3. In art, the halo or cloud of light surrounding the heads of divinities, etc.; a rain cloud. The Winston Simplified Dictionary. By William Dodge Lewis, Edgar Arthur Singer. Published 1919.

4. The rain-cloud: (paint.) the circle of rays round the heads of saints, etc. The american dictionary of the english language. By Daniel Lyons. Published 1899.

5. Meteor. A dark, heavy, rain bearing cloud. The Concise Standard Dictionary of the English Language. By James Champlin Fernald. Published 1919.

6. Art. A halo of light and glory encircling the head, as of christ or a saint. The Concise Standard Dictionary of the English Language. By James Champlin Fernald. Published 1919.

7. The rain-cloud; in anc. myth., the cloud of light around the person of a god when he appeared on earth; the circle of light around the heads of saints; a halo. Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Usage examples for nimbus

1. Over the brow of the Boy glittered the pale nimbus of the Student. – Condensed Novels by Bret Harte

2. It was the sort of nimbus that substitutes for a shadow when a plane is high enough above the clouds. – Space Platform by Murray Leinster