lightning

light-ning · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A flash of bright light in the sky caused by electrical discharge during a storm.

  2. 2.

    Very quick or sudden.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lightning never strikes twice — An unlikely event won't happen again in the same way.
  • •
    lightning fast — Extremely quick.
  • •
    like greased lightning — Very fast.

Related words

See also: electricity, storm, thunder
Synonyms: bolt, flash, thunderbolt

Etymology

From Middle English lightnen ("to make bright, shine"), from light. The word was originally the verbal noun of "lighten" and came to refer specifically to the atmospheric phenomenon.