TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

LUMINOUS CLOUD [2 records]

Record 1 2004-02-05

English

Subject field(s)
  • Atmospheric Physics
DEF

Cloud resembling Cirrus or Altocumulus lenticularis and showing very marked irisation, similar to that of mother-of-pearl; the most brilliant colours are observed when the Sun is several degrees below the horizon.

OBS

Nacreous clouds ... occur at heights about 20 or 30 km above the earth.

OBS

The term "luminous cloud" is also used in reference to another type of cloud, the noctilucent cloud.

French

Domaine(s)
  • Physique de l'atmosphère
DEF

Nuage ressemblant à des Cirrus ou à des Altocumulus lenticularis et qui présente des irisations très marquées, analogues à celles de la nacre; les couleurs des irisations ont leur éclat maximal lorsque le Soleil se trouve à quelques degrés au-dessous de l'horizon.

Spanish

Campo(s) temático(s)
  • Física de la atmósfera
DEF

Nube parecida a los Cirrus o a los Altocumulus lenticularis que muestra irisaciones muy intensas, parecidas a las del nácar. Los colores más brillantes se observan cuando el Sol se encuentra a varios grados por debajo del horizonte.

Save record 1

Record 2 1999-06-21

English

Subject field(s)
  • Atmospheric Physics
DEF

Clouds resembling thin Cirrus, but usually with a bluish or silvery, or sometimes orange to red colour; they stand out against the dark night sky.

OBS

Their height is between 75 and 90 km. There is some evidence that they are composed of very fine cosmic dust.

OBS

The term "luminous cloud" is also used in reference to another type of cloud, the nacreous cloud.

Key term(s)
  • noctilucent clouds
  • luminous night clouds
  • night luminous clouds
  • luminous clouds

French

Domaine(s)
  • Physique de l'atmosphère
DEF

Nuages ressemblant à des Cirrus fins, mais présentant généralement une teinte bleuâtre ou argentée, parfois orangée à rouge; ils se détachent sur le fond sombre du ciel nocturne.

OBS

Leur altitude est comprise entre 75 et 90 km.

Key term(s)
  • nuages nocturnes lumineux
  • nuages lumineux nocturnes
  • nuages noctilucents

Spanish

Campo(s) temático(s)
  • Física de la atmósfera
DEF

Nubes parecidas a los Cirrus pero, en general, de un color azulado o plateado, aunque también pueden ser de color anaranjado o rojizo; se destacan sobre el fondo del cielo nocturno.

OBS

Su altura oscila entre 75 y 90 km. Ciertos indicios permiten pensar que están formadas por polvo cósmico muy fino.

Key term(s)
  • nubes noctilucentes
Save record 2

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