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
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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