CLOUD

What Does Cloud Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Cloud means "Online Computing."

More Observations...

In the context of technology, "cloud" refers to "cloud computing," which is a model of data storage and access where data is stored online, on remote servers, rather than on a user's local machine or personal hardware. These servers are maintained, operated, and managed by a cloud computing provider on a network (typically the Internet). Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage makes it possible to save them to a remote database. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.

Image for Cloud

When I write Cloud, I mean this:

The cloud is a model of data storage and access where data is stored on remote servers.

Summary of Key Points

"Online Computing" is, by far, the most common meaning for Cloud when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

Cloud
Definition:	Online Computing
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Cloud

When used in this context, "cloud" is a neologism. A neologism is a newly coined word or phrase that has recently come into use or has been created to describe a new concept, idea, or phenomenon. Neologisms can be created in any language and can take different forms, such as:

A new meaning for an existing word (e.g., cloud, mood, sick, tweet, viral).
A completely new word (e.g., fomo, selfie, emoji).
A new combination of existing words, or words with prefixes or suffixes (e.g., cloutrage, digital detox, situationship, oversharing, antifragile).

Neologisms are often the result of changes in technology, culture, or social norms, and they can be found in fields such as science, technology, politics, and popular culture. Some neologisms become widely used and enter mainstream vocabulary, while others remain obscure or limited to specific communities or contexts.