thonder

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Inherited from Old English þunor, from Proto-Germanic *þunraz. The varieties with -d- are from the oblique stem of þunor, þunr-, which experienced a sound change -nr--ndr-; this was leveled into all forms of the word (compare Middle English gandre).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈθundər/, /ˈθunər/

Noun

thonder (plural thondres)

  1. Thunder; the loud noise created during a thunderstorm and accompanied by lightning.
  2. A thunderstorm; a storm where the noise thunder occurs.
  3. A thunderous sound or voice; something which acoustically resembles thunder.
    • a. 1382, John Wycliffe, “Apocalips 6:1”, in Wycliffe's Bible:
      And Y sai, that the lomb hadde openyd oon of the seuene seelis. And Y herde oon of the foure beestis seiynge, as a vois of thundur, Come, and se.
      And I noticed that the lamb had opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four beasts saying, with a voice like thunder: "Come, and see!"
  4. Lightning; discharged electricity from the clouds (especially in contexts referring to destruction)
  5. (rare) A threat; an instance of intimidation.

Descendants

References

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