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lightning
[lahyt-ning]
noun
a brilliant electric spark discharge in the atmosphere, occurring within a thundercloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground.
verb (used without object)
to emit a flash or flashes of lightning (often used impersonally with it as subject).
If it starts to lightning, we'd better go inside.
adjective
of, relating to, or resembling lightning, especially in regard to speed of movement: lightning speed.
lightning flashes;
lightning speed.
lightning
/ ˈlaɪtnɪŋ /
noun
a flash of light in the sky, occurring during a thunderstorm and caused by a discharge of electricity, either between clouds or between a cloud and the earth
(modifier) fast and sudden
a lightning raid
lightning
A flash of light in the sky caused by an electrical discharge between clouds or between a cloud and the Earth's surface. The flash heats the air and usually causes thunder. Lightning may appear as a jagged streak, as a bright sheet, or in rare cases, as a glowing red ball.
Word History and Origins
Origin of lightning1
Word History and Origins
Origin of lightning1
A Closer Look
Idioms and Phrases
catch lightning in a bottle. catch lightning in a bottle.
More idioms and phrases containing lightning
- like greased lightning
- quick as a wink (lightning)
Compare Meanings
How does lightning compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Ecuador had taken the lead in the 24th minute when veteran striker Enner Valencia burst clear in a lightning counter-attack by the South Americans.
Americans will observe Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, a day that has become a lightning rod of controversy.
Americans will observe Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, a day that has become a lightning rod of controversy.
And then, with all the shock and rage of a lightning bolt, it happened.
AI systems employ advanced-machine-learning algorithms that can process information and learn on their own, adjusting trading strategies at lightning speed, all without human input.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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