Cloudinesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state or condition characterized by lack of clarity or transparency in the atmosphere or a visual context; the presence of numerous clouds leading to diminished visibility or light; the quality of being obscure or indistinct, whether in a physical sense relating to the sky or metaphorically regarding opacity in communication or thought processes
2. An atmospheric condition marked by significant cloud coverage affecting light and visibility; an abundance of clouds resulting in a hazy or dim scene; a figurative term indicating murkiness or uncertainty in ideas, emotions, or perceptions
3. The extent to which the sky is covered with clouds, hindering clear sight of the sun; a high density of clouds, which creates a dim or shadowy effect; a metaphor for confusion or lack of lucidity in understanding or expression

Etymology: Cloudinesses is simply the plural of "cloudiness," and the plural is itself a reminder of how the word is built. The base is the adjective "cloudy," which goes back to the noun "cloud" with the adjective-forming suffix "-y," and "-ness" was then added to turn that adjective into a noun for a state or quality. "-ness" is one of the oldest and most productive noun-forming suffixes in English, descending from Old English "-nes," and it attaches freely to adjectives like "cloudy," "happy," or "sad." Because "cloudiness" is a noun for an abstract quality, it is normally uncountable, which is why the plural feels unusual. Writers reach for the plural when they want to refer to several distinct instances or kinds of cloudiness, such as the separate spells of murk across a season or the different hazes in different liquids.