crossword clue nimbus – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "nimbus", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer. Dive in and complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "crossword clue nimbus" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HALO: A common and direct synonym for nimbus, referring to a circle of light around a holy figure's head, or a general radiant light.
AURA: Can be used to describe a distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds and seems to emanate from a person or thing, similar to a nimbus.
5 Letters
CLOUD: 'Nimbus' is also a meteorological term specifically referring to a type of rain-bearing cloud (e.g., nimbostratus or cumulonimbus). This is a strong contender if the clue leans towards weather or atmosphere.
More About "crossword clue nimbus"
The term "nimbus" has roots in Latin, meaning "cloud" or "mist." In art and religious iconography, it's widely recognized as a radiant circle or disk surrounding the head or body of a deity, saint, or other sacred person, symbolizing divinity or holiness. This is often what people first associate with the word in general conversation and, consequently, in crosswords.
Beyond its spiritual connotations, "nimbus" also has a precise scientific meaning in meteorology. It denotes a cloud that is producing precipitation, such as a nimbostratus cloud (a dark, low cloud bringing continuous rain or snow) or a cumulonimbus cloud (a towering vertical cloud associated with thunderstorms). Crossword setters often play on these dual meanings, which can sometimes make the clue tricky depending on the context provided by other words or the puzzle's theme.
Understanding these different facets of "nimbus" is key to unlocking the correct crossword answer. Whether the puzzle is hinting at a heavenly glow or a stormy sky, keeping both interpretations in mind will greatly assist in your solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the other clues in the puzzle. Does the puzzle have a religious theme? Or perhaps a nature/weather theme? This can help you choose between "HALO" and "CLOUD" for "nimbus."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is often the most reliable way to confirm which possible answer (HALO, AURA, or CLOUD) fits perfectly.
- Consider Wordplay: Some clues might use "nimbus" in a more abstract or metaphorical sense. If neither the religious nor the meteorological meaning seems to fit, think about qualities associated with a nimbus, like a 'radiant glow' or an 'enveloping atmosphere'.
- Vary Your Vocabulary: Crossword setters love to use synonyms. If a word like "nimbus" comes up, be ready for answers that are close in meaning but not exact, like "AURA."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'nimbus' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'nimbus' commonly refers to a halo or aura, particularly a bright, shining cloud or a brilliant circle surrounding a deity or saint. It can also refer to a specific type of dark, rain-bearing cloud in meteorology.
Are there common synonyms for 'nimbus' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms for 'nimbus' found in crosswords include HALO, AURA, and CLOUD (specifically referring to a nimbostratus or cumulonimbus cloud). Sometimes, terms like GLOW or RADIANCE might be used, depending on the nuance of the clue.
How can the number of letters help solve 'nimbus' clues?
Knowing the number of letters is crucial. If the answer is 4 letters, HALO or AURA are strong contenders. If it's 5 letters, CLOUD (as in a nimbus cloud) might be the solution. Always check the other intersecting words to confirm the correct fit for the given length.