Scud
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.
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.