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flare

flare [ fler ]

verb (past and past participle flared, present participle flar·ing, 3rd person present singular flares)

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb burn suddenly and brightly: to burn suddenly and brightly, or cause something to burn in this way

2. intransitive verb start up again: to recur, worsen, or intensify suddenly

His gout flared up again.

3. intransitive verb anger suddenly: to become suddenly angry

4. transitive and intransitive verb widen: to widen or spread outward, or cause something to widen or spread outward

Her nostrils flared.

5. transitive verb signal somebody for help: to signal somebody for help by means of a device used to produce a light signal

6. transitive verb energy burn off gas: to ignite and burn off unwanted waste gas in open air

noun (plural flares)

Definition:

1. sudden blaze of light: a sudden blaze of light or fire used to signal distress or location or for illumination

the flare of naval signal lights

2. device for producing flare: a device used to produce a light signal calling for help

a distress flare

3. flame: a sudden or unsteady flame

the flare of distant oil wells

4. widening shape: a shape that widens or spreads outward

a long skirt with a flare

5. outburst of emotion: a sudden outburst, especially of a negative emotion

a flare of anger

6. energy flame for burning off waste gas: a flame that burns off unwanted waste gas in the open air

7. football short and wide pass: in football, a pass to a back running laterally

8. optics photog unwanted light in optical device: unwanted light reaching a photographic image, especially when reflected from an internal lens

9. medicine inflammation: an area of inflammation on the skin

plural noun flares

Definition:

pants with wide legs below knee: pants with legs that widen significantly below the knee, first popular in the late 1960s

[Mid-16th century. Origin ?]

flared adjective

Spelling Note


	flare or flair? Do not confuse the spelling of flare and flair, which sound similar. Flare can be used as a noun or verb referring to a sudden blaze of light or fire, an outburst of emotion, or a widening out: The gasoline made the fire flare up. The crew set off distress flares. Tempers flared as the meeting progressed. She wore a flared skirt. Flair is only used as a noun, meaning "talent" or "stylishness," as in a flair for public speaking, to dress with flair.