lightning
|light/ning|
B2
/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/
sudden flash
Etymology
Etymology Information
'lightning' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lihting,' where 'liht' meant 'light.'
Historical Evolution
'lihting' transformed into the Middle English word 'lightning,' and eventually became the modern English word 'lightning.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a flash of light,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a natural electrical discharge.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder.
The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35