I’m currently reading Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline, a lovely novel that alternates between the present and the early 20th century and combines interesting historical fiction with the theme of searching for a sense of family. It came highly recommended, and I’m glad I’m reading it.
My wondrous word for today comes from this quote from Orphan Train:
I follow her down the hall and through the door into a parlor, where a plump, bosomy woman with a nimbus of downy gray hair is sitting on a rose velvet sofa next to a glowing fire.
I always thought a nimbus was someone foolish, like a nincompoop. I think I got that from a cartoon of my childhood. Clearly, that doesn’t work here.
If you like to explore the meanings of new words, visit the Wondrous Words Wednesday meme, hosted by Kathy of Bermuda Onion.
Here’s what you need to know about nimbus:
nimbus \ˈnim-bəs\ noun, from the Latin for rainstorm or cloud; probably akin to Latin nebula cloud
- a : a luminous vapor, cloud, or atmosphere about a god or goddess when on earth
b : a cloud or atmosphere (as of romance) about a person or thing - an indication (as a circle) of radiant light or glory about the head of a drawn or sculptured divinity, saint, or sovereign
- a : a rain cloud
b : thunderhead; also : cumulus
From Merriam-Webster
Here’s a picture of a painting of Jesus with a nimbus around his head to signify his divinity:
Word Nerd Workout
First, have any of you heard of my definition of nimbus (someone silly or foolish?) Second, can you use nimbus in a sentence? Here’s my try:
After the phone call from Trevor, Katrina spent the evening walking around in a nimbus of bliss and was oblivious to her brother’s taunts.
Good luck, and thanks for getting nerdy with me.
Coincidence! My mother-in-law just loaned this book to me and it’s on my “soon” list. Also…daughter and I have started listening to Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On (sticking with it despite the f-bombs). It’s the Simon Snow story. We’ll probably do Fangirl next.
Let me know if you think it’s worth it to read/ listen to Carry On. Quite a few snippets are included in Fangirl. I think it would be fun to read Fangirl in conjunction with Carry On… let me know what you think.
I loved this book, too, but didn’t consider the word “nimbus,” while reading. I do remember the nimbus clouds in school. I’m definitely going to use this word – perhaps to point out the angelic nimbus that accompanies my very presence when I am packing school lunches…my children surely see it every morning, no???? 🙂
I’ve heard of nimbus in terms of clouds before – I remember my kids studying that in middle school. I’d never think to use it in a sentence though! I’m more likely to use nincompoop. Loved Orphan Train too!
The only meaning of nimbus I was familiar with was a nimbus cloud. In middle school, I learned about cirrus, stratus, and nimbus clouds. I’m sure there were others as well, but I don’t remember them.
I’ve heard nimno for a foolish person and that does sound sort of like nimbus.
I read this book and liked it very much, a great picture to describe your word.