noun / verb / adjective

flash

FLASH/flæʃ/

A sudden, short burst of visible light.

The camera emits a sudden flash of bright light.

A compact camera with its built-in flash firing, showing a sudden, concentrated burst of light against a mostly white background.

Etymology

flashMiddle Englishto splash or gush forth

Middle English flashen described splashing or gushing forth, then also fire bursting into flames. The noun applied this sudden bursting action to flame or light, originally lightning.

In context

The Enchanted Archive27:17

Amidst a blinding flash of light and roaring flames, Prigo appears, a massive fireball

[Part 1] A savage BARBARIAN forced his way into her carriage and now ROYALTY is TERRIFIED

More examples

The camera produces a flash of white light.
I see a flash of sunlight as she turns the mirror.
The warning light flashes red when the battery runs low.

Forms

flash · flashes · flashed · flashing

Similar words

glint: A small, brief reflection of light from a shiny surface.
flare: A sudden bright light, often involving flame and lasting longer.