Stormcloud

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A dark and menacing cloud formation often indicating the imminent arrival of a storm
2. A visual sign of turbulent weather conditions, typically characterized by dense and grayish hues
3. An atmospheric phenomenon suggesting the potential for severe precipitation or adverse weather events

Etymology: "Stormcloud" is a plain compound, formed by joining "storm" and "cloud." Both parts are old English words in their own right: "storm" has long named a violent disturbance of the weather, and "cloud" a visible mass of vapour in the sky. Putting them together produces a single noun for the dark, heavy cloud that brings a storm, or that seems to threaten one. The compound is transparent, so its meaning follows directly from its parts. A stormcloud is simply the cloud that carries the storm, and the figurative sense, a looming sign of trouble, grows naturally from that picture. The word is a straightforward combination rather than a coinage with a notable author or dramatic shift in meaning.

Synonyms: thundercloud, dark cloud, nimbus, tempest cloud

Antonyms: clear sky, sunny weather