thunder

thunder, sound produced along a path of a lightning flash, caused by the rapid heating and expansion of the adjacent air. Rolling thunder occurs either as a result of the time difference between sounds from the far and near end of a flash, or when mountains, layers of air, or other obstructions cause reverberations. Since sound travels about 1 mi in 5 sec, the distance between a lightning flash and an observer may be determined by counting the seconds between the flash and the thunder. Thunder as far distant as 10 to 15 mi (15 to 25 km) from an observer is usually not heard, even though lightning is often seen. See thunderstorm.

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thunder

a loud cracking or deep rumbling noise caused by the rapid expansion of atmospheric gases which are suddenly heated by lightning

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thunder [′thən·dər]

(geophysics)

The sound emitted by rapidly expanding gases along the channel of a lightning discharge.

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Thunder

See also Lightning.

Bromius

epithet of Dionysus, meaning ‘thunder.’ [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 43]

Brontes

cruel Cyclops who controls the weather; able to cause great thunder. [Gk. Myth.: Parrinder, 47; Jobes, 241, 400]

Donar

god of thunder; corresponds to Thor. [Ger. Myth.: Leach, 321]

Indra

thunder god and controller of weather. [Vedic Myth.: Leach, 521]

Mjolnir

Thor’s hammer. [Norse Myth.: Brewer Dictionary, 1076]

Thor

god of thunder. [Norse Myth.: Leach, 1109]