What does the term 'nimbus' mean in meteorology?

The term 'nimbus' in meteorology specifically refers to a type of rain cloud that is associated with precipitation. In cloud nomenclature, 'nimbus' is often used to describe clouds that produce significant rainfall, with the most well-known being 'nimbostratus' and 'cumulonimbus'. Nimbostratus clouds are thick, layered clouds that result in continuous and steady precipitation, while cumulonimbus clouds are towering and can lead to thunderstorms. Understanding this term is important for identifying weather patterns and predicting precipitation, which is crucial for various applications, including aviation operations.