Flicker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flicker
[ˈflɪkər ]
Definitions
light source
To flicker means to burn or shine with an unsteady light. This often occurs when a flame or light source experiences a brief and intermittent change in intensity, creating an effect of rapid alternation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The candle flickered in the dark room.
- The street lamp began to flicker as the storm approached.
- The firelights flickered, casting shadows on the walls.
visual effect
A flicker is a brief or sudden change in light, often characterized by a quick and irregular flashing or shining. It can also refer to a momentary flash of something in motion, causing a sense of quickness.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- There was a flicker of movement in the corner of my eye.
- I saw a flicker of light in the distance.
- The screen displayed a flicker before going blank.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Flickering lights can cause visual discomfort and headaches for some people, particularly those with migraines.
- The flicker rate of a light source can impact circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns.
- In electronics, flickering can indicate a problem with circuits or light bulbs that are failing.
Pop Culture
- Flicker is often used in films to create suspense or tension, particularly during horror or thriller scenes.
- The term has been used in various song lyrics to evoke feelings of nostalgia or fleeting moments.
- In photography, flickering lights can create unique effects through long exposure shots.
Literature
- In literature, a flicker can symbolize fleeting thoughts or memories that come and go.
- Authors often use flickering descriptions to create mood, suggesting uncertainty or volatility in a scene.
- Notable poets sometimes refer to candle flickers as metaphors for hope or fragile life.
Psychology
- Flickering lights can attract attention, often being used in advertising to bring focus to specific products.
- There is a psychological phenomenon called 'flicker fusion' which explains how quickly a series of flickering lights can be perceived as constant.
- In therapeutic scenarios, flickering lights may be used to aid relaxation or mindfulness through visual stimuli.
Origin of 'flicker'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Middle English 'flicoren', which means to move quickly or flutter.
- It is related to other words like 'flit' and 'flutter', capturing the essence of quick or light movement.
- In its early usage, 'flicker' often referred to the movement of a candle's flame.
The word 'flicker' originates from the late Middle English 'flickeren', which is thought to have been derived from the Old English 'flicor', meaning 'to flutter'. This etymology suggests a connection to movement, particularly the kind of rapid, irregular movement associated with the flame of a fire or any illuminating source. The Proto-Germanic root *flikōną is linked, conveying the action of moving rapidly or with trembling. As language evolved, so did the meaning of 'flicker', broadening to encompass various applications in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Today, it captures not only the essence of light variations but also the idea of transitory actions, feelings, or moments across diverse uses.