Emily Dickinson Lexicon

lightning (-'s), n. [see light, v.]

1. Discharge of electricity; visible flash of light between clouds and the ground; [fig.] shock; dangerous current.
2. Illumination from an atmospheric flash; [fig.] revelation; sudden inspiration; striking insight; unexpected enlightenment; stroke of brilliant intelligence.
3. Branching static charge; zigzag earthbound pulse of electromagnetic force.