Virga
/ˈvɜːrɡə/noun
Precipitation that falls from a cloud but evaporates before reaching the ground.
Did you know?The meteorological term was borrowed from Latin virga, meaning “rod” or “twig,” because the falling streaks resemble slender rods suspended beneath a cloud.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*werǵ-
“To do or work; a proposed deeper root sometimes associated with Latin virga, though the connection is debated.”
Classical Latin
Latin
virga
“A slender branch, twig, rod, or staff.”
Late Latin
Latin
virga
“A rod or streak-like form; the word continued in ecclesiastical and scholarly Latin.”
Medieval English and French
Old French
verge
“A rod, staff, or slender strip; this form contributed to English verge.”
17th Century
English
virga
“A rod-like mark or streak, used in learned and scientific contexts.”
20th Century
English
virga
“Streaks of precipitation that evaporate before reaching the surface.”