lightning
English
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/, /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/
noun
Definitions
- A flash of light produced by short-duration, high-voltage discharge of electricity within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the earth.
- A discharge of this kind.
- (figuratively) Anything that moves very fast.
- The act of making bright, or the state of being made bright; enlightenment; brightening, as of the mental powers.
Etymology
Affix from English lighten.
Origin
English
lighten
Gloss
Timeline
Distribution of cognates by language
Geogrpahic distribution of cognates
Cognates and derived terms
- forlighten English
- light English
- lighten English
- lightener English
- lightenest English
- lighteneth English
- lightninglike English
- Lichting German
- lichtingsch German
- lightnen Middle English