virga

noun /ˈvɜːɡə/

1. A type of note used in plainsong notation, having a tail and representing a single tone.

   countable, uncountable

2. A streak of rain or snow that is dissipated in falling and does not reach the ground, commonly appearing descending from a cloud layer.

   countable

   Strong gusts of wind buffeted the train, and ghostly virga of ice followed it through the night.

3. A unit of length: a rod, pole or perch (5½ yards); or a unit of area: a square rod, pole or perch.

   countable

Where it comes from

Borrowed from Latin virga (“rod”). Doublet of verge.

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry virga (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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