Definition of flash

The word "flash" has a fascinating history. The term has its roots in the 14th century, derived from the Middle English word "flašen," which means "to shine suddenly or brightly." This concept was later adapted to describe a sudden, brief burst of light, often caused by lightning or an explosion. In the 16th century, the word "flash" took on a new meaning, referring to a brief, fleeting thought or idea that suddenly occurs to someone. This usage is thought to be related to the idea of a spark or a burst of insight. The modern sense of "flash" as a brief, instantaneous scene or a rapid sequence of images in a movie or TV show, emerged in the early 20th century. Today, the word "flash" is used in a variety of contexts, from photography to computing, and continues to evoke the idea of sudden, brief, and often intense activity.