Thunder
/ˈθʌn.dər/noun
The sound caused by lightning during a thunderstorm.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, thunder was often seen as the voice of the gods, wielding power over life and death.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“to carry, to bring”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*þunraz
“a loud noise, especially that of a storm”
Old English
OE
þunor
“the noise produced by a storm, associated with divine power”
Middle English
ME
thunder
“the same loud noise, retaining its association with supernatural forces”
Modern English
English
thunder
“the sound associated with lightning, still reflecting its ancient awe and mystery”
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