nim•bus

(nĭm′bəs)

n. pl. nim•bi (-bī′) or nim•bus•es

1. A cloudy radiance said to surround a classical deity when on earth.

2. A radiant light that appears usually in the form of a circle or halo about or over the head in the representation of a god, demigod, saint, or sacred person such as a king or an emperor.

3. A splendid atmosphere or aura, as of glamour, that surrounds a person or thing.

4. A rain cloud, especially a low dark layer of clouds such as a nimbostratus.

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[Latin, cloud; see nebh- in Indo-European roots.]

“A nimbus of fire played about his awesome head…”

-The Devil in Iron, Conan