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thunder

thunder definition

thun·der (t̸hun′dər)

noun

the sound that follows a flash of lightning, caused by the sudden heating and expansion of air by electrical discharge
any loud, rumbling sound like this
a threatening, menacing, or extremely vehement utterance
Archaic a thunderbolt

Also thunderation thun′·der·a′·tion

Etymology: ME thuner, thunder (with unhistoric -d-) < OE thunor, akin to Ger donner < IE base *(s)ten-, loud rustling, deep noise > ON Thorr, Thor, Gr stenein, to moan, L tonare, to thunder

intransitive verb

to produce thunder: usually in the impersonal construction [it is thundering]
to make, or move with, a sound like thunder
to make vehement speeches, denunciations, etc.

transitive verb

to say in a thundering voice
to strike, drive, etc. with the sound or violence of thunder

Related Forms:

thunderer thun′·derer noun

thunder Idioms

steal someone's thunder

to use someone's ideas or methods without permission and without giving credit
to lessen the effectiveness of someone's statement or action by using or doing it before that person