An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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A tiny suspended particle in the → atmosphere around which → water vapor condenses to form → droplets. Condensation nuclei are usually less than about 0.001 mm in diameter and can be made of → ice, → salt, → dust, and other materials. The droplets that form can be liquid water or ice, depending on the surrounding temperature. When the number of these droplets is large enough, a cloud is visible.

→ condensation; → nucleus.