LIGHTNING Meaning and
Definition
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Lightning is a natural atmospheric phenomenon characterized by a sudden and visible electrical discharge produced during a thunderstorm. It is a dazzling and powerful flash of light that occurs due to the movement of electrical charges within a thundercloud or between a thundercloud and the ground. Lightning bolts can vary in shape, length, and intensity, but they typically resemble a jagged streak of bright light that momentarily illuminates the darkened sky.
This phenomenon is caused by the separation and build-up of positive and negative charges within a thundercloud. The charges are created by the friction and interaction of water droplets, ice particles, and air molecules during the storm. Once the electrical potential becomes significant, a discharge rapidly occurs along a path of ionized air, and we witness lightning.
Lightning is accompanied by a characteristic sound known as thunder, which is generated by the rapid expansion and contraction of the surrounding air due to the intense heat produced by the electrical discharge. Thunder often follows the flash of lightning in a matter of moments, as the sound travels more slowly than light.
While the occurrence of lightning can be mesmerizing and captivating, it also poses significant hazards. It can cause fatalities and injuries due to direct strikes, induce wildfires, damage electronic equipment, and trigger power outages. It is advisable to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning and ensure personal safety.
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• The electric flash which precedes thunder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LIGHTNING *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LIGHTNING
Etymology of LIGHTNING
The word lightning is derived from the Old English term lihting or lightnung, which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word *linhtingaz. This word is related to the Old Norse term lightning and the Gothic term leituns. Further tracing back, the Proto-Germanic word is believed to originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *leid- or *laid-, which means to shine or to flash.
Idioms with the word LIGHTNING
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lightning quick
The idiom "lightning quick" is used to describe something or someone that moves, reacts, or happens extremely fast or with great speed.
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lightning rod
The idiom "lightning rod" refers to a person or thing that attracts criticism, blame, or attention, often diverting it away from others. It is derived from the literal lightning rod, a metallic rod mounted on a structure to divert electrical charges from lightning strikes, preventing damage or destruction.
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ride the lightning
The most common definition of the idiom "ride the lightning" is related to experiencing or enduring a swift and intense punishment or consequence for one's actions. It originates from a phrase used in the 18th century referring to a criminal being executed by the electric chair. The phrase suggests that the person is metaphorically riding a bolt of lightning, symbolizing the swiftness and severity of the punishment. In a broader sense, it can also be used to describe facing and accepting the consequences of one's choices or actions.
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catch lightning in a bottle
"Catch lightning in a bottle" is an idiom that means capturing or attempting to capture something elusive, rare, or extraordinary. It implies trying to achieve or replicate a highly improbable or fleeting event or phenomenon. It often refers to a unique moment of success, inspiration, or brilliance that cannot be easily duplicated.
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capture lightning in a bottle
The idiom "capture lightning in a bottle" refers to the act of trying to achieve or reproduce something that is exceptionally rare, elusive, or difficult to obtain. It suggests the idea of trying to capture or control something as unpredictable and fleeting as a bolt of lightning inside a bottle, emphasizing the immense challenges and improbability of such a feat.
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lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice
The idiom "lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice" means that an extraordinary or rare event is unlikely to occur twice in the same manner or at the same location. It expresses the belief that a highly improbable or exceptional situation is not likely to happen again.
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lightning in a bottle
The idiom "lightning in a bottle" is used to describe something or someone that possesses an exceptional or extraordinary quality or potential, often with the implication that it is difficult to capture, replicate, or maintain. Similar to the idea of capturing literal lightning in a bottle, it suggests that the subject is rare, fleeting, or elusive.
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like greased lightning
The idiom "like greased lightning" means to do something very fast, quickly, or suddenly. It refers to the speed and agility of lightning, which is known for its incredibly fast movement.
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with lightning speed
The idiom "with lightning speed" means to move or act very quickly, often unexpectedly or impressively fast, as fast as lightning.
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at/with lightning speed
The idiom "at/with lightning speed" refers to something that is happening or moving very quickly or rapidly. It suggests a high level of swiftness and speed, often likened to the speed of lightning, which is known for its incredible speed and intensity.
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faster than greased lightning
The idiom "faster than greased lightning" is used to describe something or someone that moves extremely quickly. It implies that the speed being referenced is so fast that it can be compared to or even surpass the speed of lightning, which is renowned for being extremely fast.
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like lightning
The idiom "like lightning" is used to describe something that happens very quickly or at a very fast pace, similar to the speed of lightning. It implies swift and sudden movement, action, or change.
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like a streak of lightning
The idiom "like a streak of lightning" is used to describe someone or something that moves or acts with incredible speed or agility. It suggests a sudden, rapid, and often impressive action or movement, comparable to the swift and bright path of lightning in the sky.
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Lightning never strikes (the same place) twice.
The idiom "Lightning never strikes (the same place) twice" means that it is highly unlikely for a rare, extraordinary, or negative event to happen to the same person, place, or situation more than once. It suggests that once an unlikely event occurs, the probability of it happening again in the exact same manner or location is very low.
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greased lightning
The idiom "greased lightning" is used to describe something or someone that moves extremely fast or with great speed and efficiency. It conveys the idea of quickness and swiftness, often implying that the action or person being referred to is exceptionally fast and smooth.
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a lightning rod for something
The idiom "a lightning rod for something" refers to a person or thing that attracts a lot of criticism, blame, or attention, often serving as a scapegoat or a focus for negative emotions or circumstances. This expression comes from the concept of a lightning rod, which is a metal rod installed on buildings or structures to divert lightning strikes, thereby protecting the rest of the building from damage. Similarly, someone who is a lightning rod for something tends to attract negative consequences or blame, shielding others from facing similar repercussions.
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lightning doesn't strike twice
The idiom "lightning doesn't strike twice" means that a rare or extraordinary event is unlikely to happen again in the same way or to the same person. It suggests that an improbable or exceptional occurrence is not likely to be repeated.
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lightning fast
The idiom "lightning fast" refers to something that happens or moves very quickly, often at a speed comparable to that of lightning, which is known to be extremely fast and almost instantaneous. It indicates a swift or rapid action, speed, or response.
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Lightning does not strike twice
The idiom "Lightning does not strike twice" means that it is unlikely for a rare or extraordinary event to happen again in the same way or to the same person. It implies that chances or opportunities are typically unique and do not often repeat in a similar manner.
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lightning never strikes twice
The idiom "lightning never strikes twice" refers to the belief that unusual or catastrophic events are unlikely to happen in the same way or to the same person twice. It suggests that a rare, negative occurrence or misfortune is not likely to happen again to the same individual or in the same circumstances.
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at lightning speed
The idiom "at lightning speed" means to move or happen very quickly or rapidly. It implies a high level of speed or efficiency in accomplishing something.
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a lightning rod
The idiom "a lightning rod" refers to a person or thing that attracts controversy, criticism, or attention. It originates from the literal device used to protect buildings and structures from lightning strikes by providing a path for the electrical charge to safely reach the ground.
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(as) quick as lightning
The idiom "(as) quick as lightning" means to be extremely fast, agile, or responsive in a particular action or behavior. It refers to someone or something moving or reacting with remarkable speed and efficiency.
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like lightning (or like greased lightning)
The idiom "like lightning" or "like greased lightning" refers to moving or happening very quickly, at an extremely fast pace. It conveys the idea of speed, agility, and swift movement, often used to describe someone's actions or the rapidity of a situation.
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(as) fast as lightning
The idiom "(as) fast as lightning" means to move or act very quickly. It implies a high speed or rapidity of movement or action, often with an emphasis on agility or swiftness. It is typically used to describe someone or something that moves or reacts at an exceptional speed.
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lightning never strikes twice in the same place
The idiom "lightning never strikes twice in the same place" means that a rare or extraordinary event is unlikely to happen again in the exact same way or location. It implies that the chances of a highly improbable or exceptional occurrence happening twice in succession are very slim.
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go like lightning
The idiom "go like lightning" means to move or travel very quickly, often with exceptional speed and agility. It implies swiftness and rapidness in movement or progress.
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like hell and high lightning
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faster than a cat lapping chain lightning
The idiom "faster than a cat lapping chain lightning" is used to describe something or someone that is moving extremely quickly or with lightning speed. It conveys the image of a cat (known for their agility and speed) lapping up chain lightning (which symbolizes something very fast and powerful).
Similar spelling words for LIGHTNING
- lighting-up,
- lightner,
- listing,
- lighten,
- loudening,
- lightening,
- white-lightning,
- litening,
- lightning-like,
- Leighton,
- heat-lightning,
- lightning-rod,
- leadening,
- lightning-bug,
- lightness,
- listening,
- sheet-lightning,
- lightning-fast,
- lighting,
- light unit,
- Lightning-glance,
- ladening,
- loadening,
- lighten up,
- light time,
- lightning-swift,
- lightning-quick,
- latening,
- lightning-stroke.
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