What defines tornadoes in terms of wind and cloud formation?

Tornadoes are specifically characterized as a rotating column of air that extends from a cumulonimbus cloud, which is a type of thunderstorm cloud. This definition underscores the essential relationship between tornado formation and severe storms. Tornadoes develop in environments with strong atmospheric instability and wind shear, often within supercell thunderstorms where intense moisture and thermal lifting occur. The rotation of air is crucial, as it allows for the development of a funnel shape that can touch down to the surface, causing significant damage.

The association with cumulonimbus clouds emphasizes the stormy conditions often responsible for tornadoes. These clouds are typically associated with severe weather phenomena like thunderstorms, heavy rain, and can produce tornadoes under the right conditions. Understanding this relationship is key to both recognizing tornado formation and predicting their occurrence, as they are not standalone weather phenomena but rather components that arise under specific climatic scenarios.