Flash \Flash\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flashed; p. pr. & vb. n. Flashing.]

[Cf. OE. flaskien, vlaskien to pour, sprinkle, dial. Sw. flasa to blaze, E. flush, flare.]

1. To burst or break forth with a sudden and transient flood of flame and light; as, the lighting flashes vividly; the powder flashed.

2. To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst instantly and brightly on the sight; to show a momentary brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash.

Names which have flashed and thundered as the watch words of unnumbered struggles. --Talfourd.

The object is made to flash upon the eye of the mind. --M. Arnold.

A thought flashed through me, which I clothed in act. --Tennyson.

3. To burst forth like a sudden flame; to break out violently; to rush hastily.

Every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other. --Shak.

To flash in the pan, to fail of success. [Colloq.]

See under Flash, a burst of light. --Bartlett.

Syn: Flash, Glitter, Gleam, Glisten, Glister.

Usage: Flash differs from glitter and gleam, denoting a flood or wide extent of light. The latter words may express the issuing of light from a small object, or from a pencil of rays. Flash differs from other words, also, in denoting suddenness of appearance and disappearance. Flashing differs from exploding or disploding in not being accompanied with a loud report. To glisten, or glister, is to shine with a soft and fitful luster, as eyes suffused with tears, or flowers wet with dew.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)