lightening

American  

[lahyt-n-ing] / ˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /

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.

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lightening British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of lightening

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

Compare meaning

How does lightening compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lightning vs. lightening

Example Sentences

The F-150 Lightening will instead be redesigned as a hybrid vehicle, with a gas-powered generator.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

Scorsese rightly noted that "Came the Lightening" isn't your usual collection of poetry.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2022

Afterward, Talbot will rejoin Adelaide Lightening as for the ninth season and will serve as club captain.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2022

Lightening is a type of natural disturbance whereas pollution is a human related disturbance.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

When she insisted on the Negative, I pray'd there might be no more Thunder and Lightening, I should not sleep all night.

From The Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. IX (of X) - America - I by Lodge, Henry Cabot

Related Words

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