flashing
UK: ˈflæʃɪŋ | US: ˈflæʃɪŋ
n. 1. A sudden burst of bright light or flame.
n. 2. A strip of metal or other material used to prevent water leakage in construction (e.g., roof flashing).
v. (present participle of flash) 1. Emitting a sudden, brief light.
The word flashing derives from the Middle English flaschen, meaning "to splash or sprinkle," which later evolved to describe sudden bursts of light (16th century). The root flash likely imitates the sound or motion of quick light (onomatopoeic influence). The suffix -ing nominalizes the action (e.g., "a flashing light") or forms the present participle ("flashing lights"). In construction, flashing metaphorically extends to materials that "deflect" water like light reflects.
The lightning kept flashing across the stormy sky.
The camera’s flashing light indicated it was recording.
Roof flashing prevents rainwater from seeping into the walls.
She signaled by flashing her phone’s torch.
The fireflies’ flashing patterns fascinated the children.