rainˈbow noun

1. The coloured bow caused by refraction and internal reflexion of light in raindrops
2. Any similar array of colours
3. (with cap; in full Rainbow Guide) a member of the most junior section of the Guides
4. A highly discoloured bruise (slang)
5. A rainbow trout
6. A S American hummingbird, the cock with rainbow-coloured head

adjective

1. Of, or coloured like, the rainbow
2. Consisting of a wide range or assortment
3. Involving people of different ethnic origins or political views

rainˈbow-chaser noun

A visionary, someone who tries to reach the end of the rainbow (chase rainbows to pursue an impossible aim)

rainbow coalition noun

A political alliance between minority groups or parties of varying opinions

rainˈbow-coloured adjective

rainbow dressing noun

A gaudy display of flags on a ship

rainˈbowed adjective

Rainbow Guide see rainbow above.

rainbow therapy noun

A form of colour therapy based on drinking water that is considered to have taken on the energy specific to the colour of its container

rainˈbow-tintˈed adjective

rainbow trout noun

A finely marked and coloured trout (Salmo gairdneri) orig N American

rainˈbowy adjective

rainˈ-chamber noun

A compartment for condensing noxious fumes by spray

rainˈcheck noun (US)

A ticket for future use given to spectators when a game or a sports meeting is cancelled or stopped because of bad weather (take a raincheck (on) (informal; orig US) to promise to accept an invitation (for) at a later date)

rainˈ-cloud noun

Nimbus, a dense dark sheet of cloud that may shed rain or snow

rainˈcoat noun

A light overcoat capable of protecting the wearer against moderate rain

rain dance noun

A religious ceremonial dance performed by Native Americans in the belief that it will bring rain

rainˈdate noun (US)

An alternative date set for an event in case of rain or bad weather

rainˈ-doctor noun

A rainmaker

rainˈdrop noun

A drop of rain

rainˈfall noun

1. A shower of rain
2. The amount (by depth of water) of rain that falls

rainˈforest noun

Broad-leaved, evergreen tropical forest with very heavy rainfall

rain gauge noun

An instrument for measuring rainfall

rainˈmaker noun

1. A person in tribal societies who professes to bring rain
2. A high-powered employee who generates a great deal of income for his or her employers (slang)

rainˈmaking noun

Attempting to cause rainfall by techniques such as seeding clouds

rainˈ-plover noun

The golden plover

rainˈ-print noun

A little pit made by a raindrop in clay, etc, sometimes preserved in rocks

rainˈproof adjective

More or less impervious to rain

transitive verb

To make rainproof

noun

A rainproof overcoat

rain shadow noun

An area sheltered by hills from the prevailing winds and having a lighter rainfall than the windward side of the hills

rainˈ-stone noun

A stone used in magic rites aimed at bringing rain

rainˈstorm noun

rainˈtight adjective

Rainproof

rain tree noun

A S American tree (Samanea saman) of the family Mimosaceae, under which there is a constant rain of juice ejected by cicadas

rainˈwash noun

1. The washing away of earth, etc by rain
2. Downward creep of superficial deposits soaked in rain
3. Matter so transported

rainˈwater noun

Water that falls or has fallen as rain

rainˈwear noun

Articles of rainproof clothing

a rainy day (figurative)

A possible future time of need

chase rainbows see rainbow-chaser above.

come rain or shine

Whatever the weather or circumstances

rain cats and dogs see under cat¹

rained off

(of a sport, outdoor activity, etc) cancelled because of rain

rain in

(of rain) to penetrate a roof, tent, badly-fitting window, etc

right as rain (informal)

Perfectly in order

take a raincheck (on) see raincheck above.