chain lightning

noun

a form of lightning that moves rapidly in a zigzag path with one end divided (fork-like)

• Syn: ↑forked lightning

• Hypernyms: ↑lightning

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noun

: lightning that appears to move very rapidly in a long angular, zigzag, or forked course

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1. Chiefly Northeastern and Western U.S. lightning that seems to move very quickly in wavy or zigzag lines.

2. See bead lightning.

[1825-35, Amer.]

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chain lightning noun

1. Forked or zigzag lightning

2. A strong or harsh-tasting whisky (slang)

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Main Entry: ↑chain

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chain lightning,

1. lightning visible in wavy, zig-zag, or broken lines: »

I'm goin' there like a streak of chain lightning (Seba Smith).

2. U.S. Dialect or Slang. inferior whiskey: »

The worst of lickers…is called chain lightning, from its terrible…stunning effect (Schele De Vere).