cloud

cloud [kloud]

n.

[ME cloude, clude, orig., mass of rock, hence, mass of cloud < OE clud, mass of rock: for IE base see CLIMB]

1. a visible mass of tiny, condensed water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere: clouds are commonly classified in four groups: A (high clouds above 6,096 m or 20,000 ft) CIRRUS, CIRROSTRATUS, CIRROCUMULUS; B (intermediate clouds, 1,981 m to 6,096 m or 6,500 to 20,000 ft) ALTOSTRATUS, ALTOCUMULUS; C (low clouds, below 1,981 m or 6,500 ft) STRATUS, STRATOCUMULUS, NIMBOSTRATUS; D (clouds of great vertical continuity) CUMULUS, CUMULONIMBUS

2. a mass of smoke, dust, steam, etc.

3. a great number of things close together and in motion [a cloud of locusts]

4. an appearance of murkiness or dimness, as in a liquid

5. a dark marking, as in marble

6. anything that darkens, obscures, threatens, or makes gloomy

vt.

1. to cover or make dark as with clouds

2. to make muddy or foggy

3. to darken; obscure; threaten

4. to make gloomy or troubled

5. to cast slurs on; sully (a reputation, etc.)

vi.

1. to become cloudy

2. to become gloomy or troubled

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in the clouds

1. high up in the sky

2. fanciful; impractical

3. in a reverie or daydream

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under a cloud

1. under suspicion of wrongdoing

2. in a depressed or troubled state of mind