Noun | 1. | lightning - abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light chain lightning, forked lightning - a form of lightning that moves rapidly in a zigzag path with one end divided (fork-like) atmospheric electricity - electrical discharges in the atmosphere bolt, bolt of lightning, thunderbolt - a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder |
2. | lightning - the flash of light that accompanies an electric discharge in the atmosphere (or something resembling such a flash); can scintillate for a second or more heat lightning - bright flashes of light near the horizon without thunder (especially on hot evenings); usually attributed to distant lightning that is reflected by clouds sheet lighting - lightning that appears as a broad sheet; due to reflections of more distant lightning and to diffusion by the clouds |