Virga

/ˈvɜrɡə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A streak or shaft of rain that falls from a cloud but evaporates before reaching the ground.

The virga hung in the sky like a curtain, promising rain that would never reach the parched earth.

In botany, a term referring to a slender branch or twig.

The virga of the tree swayed gently in the breeze, adding to the natural beauty of the forest.

A rod or wand, especially in the context of weather phenomena.

The scientist used a virga to demonstrate the principles of atmospheric pressure during the lecture.

Latin, meaning 'twig' or 'branch'.

virga clouds

Clouds that exhibit virga, appearing as if they are raining.

observe virga

To look for the occurrence of virga in the sky.

virga effect

The visual impact of virga as it stretches from the clouds.

precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds.

evaporation

The process of turning from liquid into vapor.

A light and brief rain that doesn’t reach the ground.

It was just virga, not enough to get the ground wet.