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lightning stroke

British  

noun

  1. a discharge of lightning between a cloud and the earth, esp one that causes damage

  2. vet science sudden death due to being struck by lightning, esp of cattle, horses or sheep

"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

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.

His favourite story about Lewis was how, in one movie, the star had to put down all the balls on a pool table in a single, lightning stroke.

From The Guardian • Aug. 11, 2011

Even with the boost from interest rates, the economy would remain a bit lackluster in 1986 if it were not for a lightning stroke of good fortune in the energy market.

From Time Magazine Archive

The scientists are also learning more about the habits of nature's arsonist, the lightning stroke.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week Orson Welles made the lightning stroke more possible by giving his alma mater a check for $10,000, enough for five two-year scholarships.

From Time Magazine Archive

I took my soaking brush in hand, stroked my gold cake, and a cat streaked out on my paper in one lightning stroke, whiskers, tail, meow and all!

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez