virga

Etymology

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

noun

1. (music) A type of note used in plainsong notation, having a tail and representing a single tone.
2. (meteorology, countable) A streak of rain or snow that is dissipated in falling and does not reach the ground, commonly appearing descending from a cloud layer.
   Strong gusts of wind buffeted the train, and ghostly virga of ice followed it through the night. 2003, Erik Larson, “Pilgrimage”, in The Devil in the White City, Vintage Books, page 78
3. (measurement, countable) A unit of length: a rod, pole or perch (5½ yards); or a unit of area: a square rod, pole or perch.