Cloud

Definition

Cloud is used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the sky or, in technology, a system of data storage and services accessible over the internet. As a verb, it means to obscure or make unclear, or to cover with or as if with clouds.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /klaʊd/
• Respelling: KLOWD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /klaʊd/
• Respelling: KLOWD

Etymology

The word "cloud" originates from the Old English "clud," meaning "hill" or "mass of rock," which later evolved to mean "mass of condensed water in the sky" as it resembled clouds or mounds in the landscape. The modern technological meaning relating to online storage emerged in the 21st century.

Derivatives

• Cloudy (adjective)
• Cloudless (adjective)
• Clouding (verb)
• Cloudiness (noun)
• Cloud-based (adjective)

Synonyms

• Fog
• Haze
• Veil

Antonyms

• Clear
• Bright
• Sunny

Usage

The term "cloud" is widely used in meteorology to refer to masses of water vapor in the atmosphere and in technology to describe online data storage systems. For example, "The sky was covered in thick clouds," or "He saved his files to the cloud."

Related Terms

• Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the earth, where clouds form.
• Fog: A thick cloud that forms near the ground, reducing visibility.
• Data storage: The recording of digital information, often used in reference to cloud storage.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A visible mass of condensed water vapor in the sky: Refers to the natural formation of water droplets suspended in the atmosphere.
  • Example: "Dark clouds gathered, indicating an approaching storm."
• A system of data storage accessible over the internet: In technology, refers to online storage and computing services.
  • Example: "She backed up her documents to the cloud to access them from any device."

Verb

• To obscure or make unclear: Used to describe making something less clear or visible.
  • Example: "The glass began to cloud with condensation."
• To cover with or as if with clouds: Refers to the process of something becoming shrouded or obscured, either literally or metaphorically.
  • Example: "Sadness clouded her thoughts."