How Do You Spell THUNDERCLAP?

Pronunciation: [θˈʌndəklˌap] (IPA)

Thunderclap is a noun that refers to a loud, sudden, and explosive sound that occurs during a thunderstorm. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈθʌndərklæp/. The first syllable is pronounced with the voiced dental fricative sound (/ð/), followed by the unstressed schwa sound (/ə/). The second syllable starts with the voiceless dental fricative sound (/θ/) and ends with the voiced alveolar plosive sound (/d/). The third syllable contains the short vowel sound /æ/ and the voiceless velar stop sound (/k/), and ends with the voiceless bilabial fricative sound (/p/).

THUNDERCLAP Meaning and Definition

  1. Thunderclap refers to a sudden explosive sound that is produced by a discharge of lightning during a thunderstorm. It can be described as a powerful and resonant noise, similar to a loud clap or crashing sound. This phenomenon is characterized by its abruptness and intensity, often causing a startling effect on those who hear it.

    In meteorological terms, thunderclap is part of the aural experience associated with thunder. Thunder itself is the result of the rapid expansion and contraction of the air surrounding a lightning bolt. As the bolt heats the air to extremely high temperatures, it creates a shock wave that rapidly expands and contracts, resulting in the characteristic thunder sound.

    The term "thunderclap" is also used metaphorically to convey a sudden and dramatic event or announcement that has a profound impact on people. It implies an unexpected occurrence that is so significant or shocking that it captures immediate attention and generates astonishment or awe. This usage is often seen in contexts such as news headlines or literary descriptions to emphasize the suddenness and magnitude of an event.

    Overall, whether describing a natural meteorological phenomenon or a metaphorical event, thunderclap embodies a forceful, booming sound, accompanied by a sense of surprise and overwhelming power.

Common Misspellings for THUNDERCLAP

Etymology of THUNDERCLAP

The word "thunderclap" is derived from the combination of two older English words: "thunder" and "clap".

1. "Thunder" originated from the Old English word "thunor", which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "thunraz", meaning "thunder". This word is also related to "Donner" in German, "tonner" in French, and "tonitru" in Latin, all referring to thunder.

2. "Clap" comes from the Old English word "clappian", meaning "to make a noise like a flat-sounding blow". It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "klappen" and the German word "klatschen", both carrying similar meanings.

Similar spelling words for THUNDERCLAP

Plural form of THUNDERCLAP is THUNDERCLAPS

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