Lightning

Sudden electrostatic discharge during an electrical storm.

lightning bolt thunderbolt

A sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during an electrical storm. Lightning results from an imbalance of electric charges within clouds, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. It manifests as a brilliant flash of light and is often accompanied by thunder.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɪtnɪŋ/

Etymology

Lightning comes from the Old English word 'lightning' meaning a flash of light.

Explain Like I’m 5

Lightning is a big spark of electricity in the sky, like when static shocks happen but much bigger and more powerful.

Fun Facts

Benjamin Franklin famously flew a kite in a thunderstorm to prove lightning was electricity
Lightning can travel at speeds up to 270,000 miles per hour
Over 16 million thunderstorms occur worldwide each year

FAQ

What causes lightning? Collisions between ice crystals, graupel, and water droplets in thunderstorms create electrical charges
How hot is lightning? Lightning can heat the air around it to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit
Can lightning strike water? Yes, lightning can and does strike water

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

electrical storm weather phenomenon

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

ball lightning heat lightning

Meronyms — Parts or Components

channel return stroke

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

thunderstorm weather

Indexes

atmospheric phenomenon natural phenomenon weather-related

Built by Tim Jones