Scud

Scud

skəd

Noun

  • A formation of vapory clouds driven fast by the wind.
  • A mass of windblown spray.
  • A driving shower of rain or snow; a gust.
  • The action of moving fast in a straight line when driven by the wind.

Verb

  • Move fast in a straight line because or as if driven by the wind.

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Example Sentences

“The clouds scudded quickly across the sky, foretelling a thunderstorm.”

“The water vapor formed a scud of fog that billowed across the field.”

“The scud of sea spray and clouds make the beach a dynamic setting.” 

Word Origin

English, mid-16th century

Why this word?

“Scud” was first used as a verb in the 1530s, meaning “to move quickly.” It now has more usage as an adjective to describe several types of fast-moving precipitation and wind. “Scud” can easily be confused for a similar-sounding word, “scut.” While “scud” is primarily a literary term used to describe clouds or droplets of water being moved by wind gusts, “scut” is the short tail of a hare, rabbit, or deer.

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