Definition of lightning strike

The word "lightning strike" refers to the powerful and sudden electric discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm. The origin of the term can be traced back to the Old English word " Huðring", which meant thundering or clap of thunder. In Middle English, the word was spelled "thundryng" and was used to describe the sharp and loud sound of thunder. The modern term "lightning strike" comes from the Old Norse word "blíðr", which meant a flash of lightning. The word originated from a belief that the flash of lightning was caused by a serpent or dragon slithering through the sky, which the Vikings called Jörmungandr (the midgard serpent). When this serpent moved, it was thought to cause a flash of light, which led to the use of "blíðr" to describe this phenomenon. In Old English, the word "lightning" was spelled "hlydorn", which came from the Old Norse word "hliðr", meaning a flash or gleam. The Old German word, "bletunjo", and the Old Norse word, "blíðr", both contributed to the modern English word "lightning". The term "lightning strike" evolved from these Old English, Old Norse, and Old German words, which were linked to the sound and visual effects of lightning. Today, the term is commonly used to describe the dangerous and awe-inspiring event of a lightning strike, which can be both frightening and mesmerizing to witness.