lightning

[lahyt-ning]

noun

1. 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)

lightninged, lightning 

1. 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

1. of, relating to, or resembling lightning, especially in regard to speed of movement: lightning speed.

   lightning flashes;

   lightning speed.

lightning

/ ˈlaɪtnɪŋ /

noun

1. 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

2. (modifier) fast and sudden

   a lightning raid

lightning

1. 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.

lightning

1. An electrical discharge from clouds that have acquired an electrical charge, usually occurring during storms. (See thunder.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightning¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, variant of lightening; lighten ¹, -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightning¹

C14: variant of lightening

A Closer Look

As storm clouds develop, the temperature at the top of the cloud becomes much cooler than that at the bottom. For reasons that scientists still do not understand, this temperature difference results in the accumulation of negatively charged particles near the base and positively charged particles near the top of the storm cloud. The negatively charged particles repel the electrons of atoms in nearby objects, such as the bases of other storm clouds or tall objects on the ground. Consequently, these nearby objects take on a positive charge. The difference in charge, or voltage, builds until an electric current starts to flow between the objects along a pathway of charged atoms in the air. The current flow heats up the air to such a degree that it glows, generating lightning. Initially, a bolt of lightning carrying a negative charge darts from one storm cloud to another or from a storm cloud to the ground, leaving the bottom of the cloud with a positive charge. In response, a second bolt (reverse lightning) shoots in the opposite direction (from the other storm cloud or the ground) as the mass of negative charges on it moves back to neutralize the positive charge on the bottom of the first cloud. The heat generated by the lightning causes the air to expand, in turn creating very large sound waves, or thunder.

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. catch lightning in a bottle. catch lightning in a bottle.

More idioms and phrases containing lightning

• like greased lightning
• quick as a wink (lightning)

Example Sentences

And then, with all the shock and rage of a lightning bolt, it happened.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

McMahon has described her agency moving “at lightning rocket speed,” and the department’s actions in just one week in September reflect that urgency.

Read more on Salon

Social Security remains a lightning rod in American politics, with debates over solvency, benefits and generational fairness heating up ahead of the midterms.

Read more on Salon

Overvoltage can be caused by surges in networks due to oversupply or lightning strikes, or when protective equipment is insufficient.

Read more on BBC