Definition of: flare

(flâr) v. flared, flar·ing v.i.
1. To blaze or burn with a brilliant, wavering light, as a candle in the wind.
2. To break out in sudden or violent emotion: often with up or out.
3. To open or spread outward: A snip's bows flare.
—v.t.
4. To cause to flare.
5. To signal (information) with flares.
—noun
1. A large, bright, but unsteady and flickering light; unsteady glare.
2. A widening or spreading outward, as of the sides of a funnel. Compare illustrations under FUNNEL.
3. Phot. Unwanted light falling on the image plane in a camera projector or printer due to reflection of light between the lens surface or the interior of the lens barrel.
4. A brilliant brief burst of flame or light used as a signal or guide or as illumination.
5. Any sudden display, as of temper. See synonyms under LIGHT. [? Blend of FLY¹ and BARE¹]