flash1

verb

• 1 [no object] (of a light or something that reflects light) shine in a bright but brief, sudden, or intermittent way:the lights started flashing (as adjective flashing)a police car with a flashing light
• [with object] cause to shine briefly or suddenly:the oncoming car flashed its lights
• [with object] shine or show a light to send (a signal):red lights started to flash a warning
• [with object] give (a swift or sudden look):Carrie flashed a glance in his direction [with two objects]:she flashed him a withering look
• express a sudden burst of emotion, especially anger, with a swift or sudden look:she glared at him, her eyes flashing

• 2 [with object] display (an image, words, or information) suddenly on a television or computer screen or electronic sign, typically briefly or repeatedly:suddenly the screen flashes a message
• [no object] (of an image or message) be displayed briefly or repeatedly on a screen:the election results flashed on the screen
• informal hold up or show (something, often proof of one’s identity) quickly before replacing it:she opened her purse and flashed her ID card
• informal make a conspicuous display of (something) so as to impress or attract attention:they all flash their money around
• [no object] (often as noun flashing) informal (especially of a man) show one’s genitals briefly in public.

• 3 [no object] move or pass very quickly:a look of terror flashed across Kirov’s face the scenery flashed by another stray thought flashed through her mind
• [with object] send (news or information) swiftly by means of telegraphy or telecommunications:the story was flashed around the world

noun

• 1a sudden brief burst of bright light or a sudden glint from a reflective surface:the grenade exploded with a yellow flash of light a lightning flash

• 2a thing that occurs suddenly and within a brief period of time, in particular.
• a sudden instance or manifestation of a quality, understanding, or humor:she had a flash of inspiration
• a news flash.

• 3 (Flash) Computing, trademark a platform for producing and displaying animation and video in web browsers.

• 4a camera attachment that produces a brief very bright light, used for taking photographs in poor light:an electronic flash if in any doubt, use flash [as modifier]:flash photography

• 5excess plastic or metal forced between facing surfaces as two halves of a mold close up, forming a thin projection on the finished object.

adjective

• 1(of a thing) ostentatiously expensive, elaborate, or up to date:a flash new car
• (of a person) superficially attractive because stylish and full of brash charm:he was carrying this money around and trying to be flash

• 2 archaic of or relating to thieves, prostitutes, or the underworld, especially their language.