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n. 1. a. An abrupt, discontinuous natural electric discharge in the atmosphere. b. The visible flash of light accompanying such a discharge. 2. Informal A sudden, usually improbable stroke of fortune. intr.v. light·ninged (-nĭngd), light·ning, light·nings To discharge a flash of lightning. adj. Moving or occurring with remarkable speed or suddenness. [Middle English, gerund of lightnen, to illuminate, from lighten, from Old English līhtan; see leuk- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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