rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryflareSudden brightness
noun / verb

flare

FLAIR/fler/

A sudden bright burst of light or flame.

The match flares as it catches fire.

A freshly struck match erupts into a bright, spreading flame at the instant it leaves the matchbox striker, with tiny ignition sparks and an almost entirely unburned wooden shaft.
Etymology

Flare's origin is unknown. Its earliest recorded use described hair spreading out; the sense of shining with a sudden light appeared later, but the connection between those uses is not established.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers53:30
I held the match to the heat and watched it flare up warm and alive.
Suspense - Suspense 480221 285 Beyond Reason (64-44) 28709 1 59m52s

More examples

  • The match flared when it caught.
  • A sudden flare rose from the fire.
  • The rescue crew spotted a red flare overhead.

Forms

flare · flares · flared · flaring

Similar words

flash
Usually a briefer burst of light.
blaze
Often a larger, more sustained flame.