Definition

Noun: A single, sudden, and powerful flash of lightning that is seen and its accompanying thunder is heard. It refers to one distinct electrical discharge from a thunderstorm.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe a specific, countable instance of lightning. It emphasizes the suddenness, force, and singular nature of the event. - It is typically used with verbs like see, strike, hit, or illuminate. - It often appears in descriptive narratives about weather.

Examples

• We watched from the window as a bolt of lightning split the dark sky.
• The storm began with a single, brilliant bolt of lightning.
• The bolt of lightning struck the old oak tree at the edge of the field.

Advanced Usage

• Like a bolt of lightning: Used as a simile to describe something that happens with extreme speed, suddenness, or shocking force.
  • The news hit her like a bolt of lightning.
• Out of the blue like a bolt of lightning: Emphasizes something completely unexpected and sudden.
  • His resignation came out of the blue like a bolt of lightning.

Variants and Related Words

• Lightning bolt (n): A common alternative with the same meaning.
  • A lightning bolt flashed above the mountains.
• Thunderbolt (n): Can be synonymous but often carries a more mythical or figurative connotation of a sudden, devastating event or a weapon of the gods.
• Lightning flash (n): A more general term for the visible light from a discharge, which may or may not imply the accompanying thunder as strongly.

Synonyms

• Lightning discharge: A more technical term.
• Thunderbolt: (See note in Variants).
• Fulmination: A formal or literary term for a lightning flash and thunderclap.

Related Phrases

• Bolt from the blue: An idiom meaning a complete surprise. It is directly related to the imagery of a lightning bolt ("bolt") coming from a clear blue sky ("the blue").
  • The announcement of their merger was a bolt from the blue for the industry.

Noun

1. a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder