lightening

[lahyt-n-ing]

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity, occurring toward the end of pregnancy, changing the contour of the abdomen and facilitating breathing by lessening pressure under the diaphragm.

lightening

/ ˈlaɪtənɪŋ /

noun

1. obstetrics the sensation, experienced by many women late in pregnancy when the head of the fetus enters the pelvis, of a reduction in pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier to breathe

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightening¹

First recorded in 1520–30; lighten ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“What’s the alternative?” the ad asks, “lightening up and being fun?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mockery gives us a way to express our sorrow at what is happening to the American value of peaceful coexistence, while lightening the mood.

Read more on Salon

The "silliness" of the formulation was "lightening the subject matter of this trial," he told Judge Cannon.

Read more on BBC

Girls and women with darker skin tones are called derogatory names and face discrimination; and skin lightening products make for big business, earning billions of dollars in profits.

Read more on BBC

The cause of the blaze remains unknown, though lightening has been ruled out.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• alleviation 
• assistance 
• comfort 
• happiness 
• help 
• maintenance 
• reprieve 
• respite 
• satisfaction 
• support