news flash

Flash Flash, n.; pl. {Flashes}. 1. A sudden burst of light; a flood of light instantaneously appearing and disappearing; a momentary blaze; as, a flash of lightning. [1913 Webster]

2. A sudden and brilliant burst, as of wit or genius; a momentary brightness or show. [1913 Webster]

The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

No striking sentiment, no flash of fancy. --Wirt. [1913 Webster]

3. The time during which a flash is visible; an instant; a very brief period. [1913 Webster]

The Persians and Macedonians had it for a flash. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

4. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for coloring and giving a fictitious strength to liquors. [1913 Webster]

5. a lamp for providing intense momentary light to take a photograph; as, to take a picture without a flash.

Syn: flashbulb, photoflash, flash lamp, flashgun. [WordNet 1.5]

6. Same as {flashlight}. [informal] [PJC]

7. (Journalism) A short news item providing recently received and usually preliminary information about an event that is considered important enough to interrupt normal broadcasting or other news delivery services; also called a {news flash} or {bulletin}. [PJC]

{Flash light}, or {Flashing light}, a kind of light shown by lighthouses, produced by the revolution of reflectors, so as to show a flash of light every few seconds, alternating with periods of dimness. --Knight.

{Flash in the pan}, the flashing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece; hence, sudden, spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing. [1913 Webster]