Definition of: flash

(flash) v.i.
1. To break forth with light or fire suddenly and briefly: Lightning flashed across the sky.
2. To gleam; glisten: Their helmets flashed in the sun.
3. To be in view fleetingly; move very quickly: A train flashed by.
4. To come suddenly; be known or perceived in an instant: The memory flashed into my mind.
5. Colloq. To make a display.
—v.t.
6. To send forth (fire, light, etc.) in brief flashes; cause to flash: His sword flashed fire in the sun.
7. To send or communicate with great speed: to flash news.
8. Colloq. To show or display briefly or ostentatiously: to flash a badge.
9. In glassmaking: a To cover with a thin coating of colored glass. b To apply (colored glass) as a coating. See synonyms under BURN¹.
—noun
1. A sudden and transient blaze; gleam.
2. A sudden outburst, as of wit, anger, etc.
3. A moment; instant.
4. Display; pomp; specifically, a vulgar display.
5. The coating of glass which is flashed upon other glass.
6. A mixture of capsicum, caramel, etc.: used in adulterating liquors.
7. A reservoir and sluiceway in a stream for storing water to float boats over a shoal.
8. A brief news dispatch sent right after the event, usually as a preliminary to fuller coverage.
9. Archaic Thieves' jargon. See synonyms under LIGHT¹.
—a flash in the pan
1. An explosion of the powder in the pan of a flintlock that does not discharge the weapon.
2. Hence, any abortive attempt, or weak outburst.
—adjective
1. Obtained by flashlight, as a photograph.
2. Flashy; smart; sporty.
3. Archaic Of, pertaining to, or used by thieves: flash slang. [ME flaschen; prob. imit.]