Aflare

/əˈflɛər/ adjective

Definition

In astronomy or physics, describing something that is in a state of flaring or bursting outward with light or energy.

Etymology

From 'a-' (in a state of) + 'flare' (sudden burst of light), combining the intensive prefix with a word likely of imitative origin from Middle English.

Kelly Says

The prefix 'a-' in older English could mean 'in the state of'—so 'aflare' means not 'has a flare' but 'is in the state of flaring,' a grammatical pattern almost lost from modern English.

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