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lightning

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Lightning is a powerful flash of electricity that happens during a thunderstorm. It is caused by the buildup of static electricity in the clouds. The static electricity is created when water droplets in the clouds rub against each other. When the static electricity gets too strong, it discharges, creating a lightning bolt.

Lightning can be very dangerous. It can travel up to 10 miles and can heat the air around it to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning can also cause fires, damage property, and even kill people.

If you see lightning, it is important to take shelter immediately. You should go inside a building or a car, or lie down in a ditch or low-lying area. Do not touch anything metal, and do not stand under trees.

How can the word be used?

Lightning can be used to refer to the natural phenomenon itself, or to a specific instance of it.

lightning

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • Lightning is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a sudden discharge of electricity between clouds or between a cloud and the ground.
  • Lightning is often accompanied by thunder, which is the sound of the air expanding as the electricity travels through it.
  • Lightning can be very dangerous, and it can cause fires, damage property, and even kill people.

Adjective:

  • Lightning is an adjective that describes something that is related to lightning. For example, a lightning strike is a bolt of lightning that hits the ground.
  • Lightning can also be used to describe something that is quick or sudden. For example, a lightning-fast reaction is a very quick reaction.

Verb:

  • To lightning is to strike something with lightning. For example, a lightning bolt lightning a tree.
  • To lightning can also be used to describe the process of moving very quickly. For example, the car lightning past us.

Etymology

The word "lightning" comes from the Old English word "leohting", which means "flash of light". It was first used in English in the 8th century.

The Old English word "leohting" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word *leuk-, which also means "flash of light".

Question

What do you need to do during a lightning storm?