Flash: meaning, definitions and examples

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flash

[flæʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

technology

A device used in photography to produce a bright light for illuminating a subject.

Synonyms

light, photoflash, strobe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flash	Brief appearance of light, used in photography, sudden moments, or electronics. The camera flash temporarily blinded her There was a flash of lightning during the storm
photoflash	Specific flash of light used in photography to provide illumination when taking a picture. The photographer's photoflash helped capture clear images in low light Photoflashes can sometimes disturb animals
light	General term for illumination from any source, not necessarily brief. She turned on the light to read a book The morning light filled the room
strobe	Used in reference to a flashing light that blinks at regular intervals; often used in entertainment settings like concerts or nightclubs. The strobe lights at the concert created an exciting atmosphere Be careful with strobe lights as they can trigger seizures in sensitive individuals

Examples of usage

He used a flash to take a picture in the dark room.
The photographer used a flash to capture the perfect shot.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A sudden burst of light or energy.

Synonyms

burst, glint, spark.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flash	Often used to describe a sudden burst of light or a quick, impressive display of something. It can refer to both literal and figurative meanings. There was a flash of lightning during the storm. She had a flash of insight and solved the problem instantly.
glint	Used to describe a small, brief flash of light, often reflecting off a surface. It's generally associated with something shiny or metallic. The glint of the sun on the water was beautiful. She saw a glint of mischief in his eyes.
spark	Commonly refers to a small, fiery particle or a brief flash of light resulting from friction or an electric charge. It can also metaphorically describe the initiation of an idea or a feeling. He saw a spark fly as he struck the match. Their conversation sparked her interest in science.
burst	Describes a sudden and intense occurrence, typically associated with something breaking open or exploding. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses. The balloon burst with a loud noise. He felt a burst of excitement when he won the prize.

Examples of usage

There was a flash of lightning in the sky.
The camera flashed as the picture was taken.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

technology

Shine or produce a bright light for a short time.

Synonyms

beam, glow, sparkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flash	Typically used to describe a quick and bright burst of light, often seen in photography or during storms. The camera flash made everyone blink. There was a flash of lightning during the storm.
glow	Describes a steady, often soft and warm light, like that from a candle or a computer screen. The fireplace gave off a gentle glow. The glow of the monitor was the only light in the room.
sparkle	Refers to multiple small, bright flashes of light, often seen in reflective surfaces or items like diamonds or water. Her earrings sparkled in the sunlight. The sea sparkled under the midday sun.
beam	Commonly used to describe a steady and focused stream of light, often from a source like a flashlight or the sun. A beam of light shone through the window. The lighthouse's beam guided the ships safely to shore.

Examples of usage

The lighthouse flashes every few seconds.
The lightning flashed across the sky.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'flash' comes from Middle English 'flasshen,' which means to shine or burst forth.
In the 17th century, it was used to describe a sudden burst of light or flame.
The modern use of 'flash' began to include photography in the early 20th century with the introduction of flashbulbs.

Pop Culture

The superhero 'The Flash' from DC Comics is known for his super speed and can move faster than the speed of light.
Flash photography became popular in the 20th century, revolutionizing how events and moments were captured in images.
Several songs have 'flash' in their titles, signifying quick moments or memories, like 'Flashdance' by Irene Cara.

Science

In physics, a 'flash' can refer to a sudden release of energy, such as a flash of light during a lightning storm.
Flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage that retains data without power, found in USB drives and SSDs.
A 'flash flood' occurs very rapidly after heavy rainfall, often catching people off guard, highlighting the word's association with speed.

Literature

In literature, the term 'flashback' refers to a scene set in a time earlier than the main story, providing background or context.
Authors often use 'flashing' moments to create urgency in a narrative, making readers feel the immediacy of events.
The concept of a 'flash of inspiration' is commonly referenced in creative writing, suggesting a sudden moment of clarity or idea.

Technology

The term 'flash drive' refers to a device for storing data that utilizes flash memory technology, making it portable and convenient.
Adobe Flash was a software used for creating animations and web applications, though it has become less common in modern web design.
Flash applications were known for their quick loading times, enhancing user experience by delivering content rapidly.

Translations

Translations of the word "flash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flash

relâmpago
lampejo

🇮🇳 फ़्लैश

🇩🇪 Blitz

🇮🇩 kilat

🇺🇦 спалах

🇵🇱 błysk

🇯🇵 フラッシュ

🇫🇷 éclair

🇪🇸 destello

🇹🇷 flaş

🇰🇷 플래시

🇸🇦 فلاش

🇨🇿 blesk

🇸🇰 blesk

🇨🇳 闪光 (shǎnguāng)

🇸🇮 blisk

🇮🇸 leiftur

🇰🇿 жарқыл

🇬🇪 ელვა (elva)

🇦🇿 ildırım

🇲🇽 destello

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,571 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5568 painter
5569 ancestors
5570 forehead
5571 flash
5572 seemingly
5573 convince
5574 weighing
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