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relâmpago

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also: relampago and relámpago

Portuguese

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relâmpago

Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Alteration of relâmpado, from re- +‎ lâmpado, from Latin lampada (lamp), from lampas, or through a derivative of Late Latin lampāre. The prefix re- indicates the idea of repetition, hence lightning striking over and over again. Compare Spanish relámpago.

Pronunciation

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  • (Brazil) IPA(key): /ʁeˈlɐ̃.pa.ɡu/ [heˈlɐ̃.pa.ɡu]
    • (Rio de Janeiro) IPA(key): /ʁeˈlɐ̃.pa.ɡu/ [χeˈlɐ̃.pa.ɡu]
    • (Southern Brazil) IPA(key): /ʁeˈlɐ̃.pa.ɡo/ [heˈlɐ̃.pa.ɡo]

  • Hyphenation: re‧lâm‧pa‧go

Noun

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relâmpago m (plural relâmpagos)

  1. lightning (flash of light caused by the discharge of atmospheric electrical charge)
    Synonyms: raio, relampagueamento, relampejo, relampo, alustro, alustre, alúmio

Usage notes

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Some commentators enforce a distinction in meaning between raio and relâmpago, such that the former refers specifically to a lightning bolt, while the latter refers to the flash of light stemming from it. In common usage, this distinction does not exist, and other commentators call the word synonymous.

A more common distinction is made with trovão, which refers only to thunder, the sound of lightning.

Derived terms

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Adjective

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relâmpago (invariable)

  1. (in hyphenated compounds) sudden and unexpected