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foudroyant

American  
[foo-droi-uhnt, foo-drwa-yahn] / fuˈdrɔɪ ənt, fu drwaˈyɑ̃ /

adjective

  1. striking as with lightning; sudden and overwhelming in effect; stunning; dazzling.

  2. Pathology. (of disease) beginning in a sudden and severe form.


foudroyant British  
/ fuːˈdrɔɪənt /

adjective

  1. (of a disease) occurring suddenly and with great severity

  2. rare stunning, dazzling, or overwhelming

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of foudroyant

1830–40; < French, present participle of foudroyer to strike with lightning, derivative of foudre lightning < Latin fulgur

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Janowski prepared and shaped the many climaxes but would not tarry even for the most foudroyant of them.

From Washington Post

The principal work, named Fort George, is mounted with pieces of cannon, said to have been taken in the “Foudroyant” man-of-war, in one of the many conflicts between the French and English.

From Project Gutenberg

Foudroyant, fōō-droi′ant, adj. quick like lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

“Monarch,” of which his uncle Lord Duncan was at that time in command, and in the following year was transferred to the “Foudroyant,” on board of which, during the night engagement with the “Pegase,” he greatly distinguished himself.

From Project Gutenberg

C'est un ma�tre pianiste foudroyant.

From Project Gutenberg