lightening

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in pregnancy; the fetus is said to have dropped
noun changing to a lighter color
verb make more cheerful

Doublet of lightning.

Then, his face lightening, he ran to the desk. — The Murder on the Links, Agatha Christie
Even citizens, physicians, and apothecaries, glide in their chariots like lightening. — The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, T. (Tobias) Smollett
‘It’s such a lightening of my heart, only to look at you! — David Copperfield, Charles Dickens

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