From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Flash \Flash\, n.; pl. {Flashes}.
1. A sudden burst of light; a flood of light instantaneously
appearing and disappearing; a momentary blaze; as, a flash
of lightning.
[1913 Webster]
2. A sudden and brilliant burst, as of wit or genius; a
momentary brightness or show.
[1913 Webster]
The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
No striking sentiment, no flash of fancy. --Wirt.
[1913 Webster]
3. The time during which a flash is visible; an instant; a
very brief period; as, I'll be back in a flash.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
The Persians and Macedonians had it for a flash.
--Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
4. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for coloring
and giving a fictitious strength to liquors.
[1913 Webster]
5. A lamp for providing intense momentary light to take a
photograph; as, to take a picture without a flash.
Syn: flashbulb, photoflash, flash lamp, flashgun.
[WordNet 1.5]
6. Same as {flashlight}. [informal]
[PJC]
7. (Journalism) A short news item providing recently received
and usually preliminary information about an event that is
considered important enough to interrupt normal
broadcasting or other news delivery services; also called
a {news flash} or {bulletin}.
[PJC]
{Flash light}, or {Flashing light}, a kind of light shown by
lighthouses, produced by the revolution of reflectors, so
as to show a flash of light every few seconds, alternating
with periods of dimness. --Knight.
{Flash in the pan}, the flashing of the priming in the pan of
a flintlock musket without discharging the piece; hence,
sudden, spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing.
[1913 Webster]
|
