lightning : Idioms & Phrases

• a rare form of lightning sometimes seen as a globe of fire moving from the clouds to the earth.

Webster 1913

• noun a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
  thunderbolt; bolt.
  

WordNet

• noun a form of lightning that moves rapidly in a zigzag path with one end divided (fork-like)
  chain lightning.
  

WordNet

• lightning in angular, zigzag, or forked flashes.

Webster 1913

• noun a form of lightning that moves rapidly in a zigzag path with one end divided (fork-like)
  chain lightning.
  

WordNet

• noun bright flashes of light near the horizon without thunder (especially on hot evenings); usually attributed to distant lightning that is reflected by clouds
  

WordNet

• more or less vivid and extensive flashes of electric light, without thunder, seen near the horizon, esp. at the close of a hot day.

Webster 1913

• noun electrical device inserted in a power line to protect equipment from sudden fluctuations in current
  spike arrester; surge protector; surge suppressor; spike suppressor.
  

WordNet

• (Telegraphy), a device, at the place where a wire enters a building, for preventing injury by lightning to an operator or instrument. It consists of a short circuit to the ground interrupted by a thin nonconductor over which lightning jumps. Called also lightning discharger.

Webster 1913

• noun nocturnal beetle common in warm regions having luminescent abdominal organs
  firefly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a luminous beetle. See Firefly.

Webster 1913

• noun a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning
  lightning conductor.
  

WordNet

• a lightning rod.

Webster 1913

• a quick, penetrating glance of a brilliant eye.

Webster 1913

• noun an epithet for Jupiter
  Jupiter Fulgur; Jupiter Fulminator.
  

WordNet

• noun someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another
  
• noun a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground; protects the building from destruction by lightning
  lightning conductor.
  

WordNet

• a metallic rod set up on a building, or on the mast of a vessel, and connected with the earth or water below, for the purpose of protecting the building or vessel from lightning.

Webster 1913

• noun atmospheric discharges (lasting 10 msec) bursting from the tops of giant storm clouds in blue cones that widen as they flash upward
  blue jet; jet.
  

WordNet

• a diffused glow of electric light flashing out from the clouds, and illumining their outlines. The appearance is sometimes due to the reflection of light from distant flashes of lightning by the nearer clouds.

Webster 1913

• etc. See under Lightning, Piling, etc.

Webster 1913

• (Colloq.) to be executed by electrocution in an electric chair.

Webster 1913