Electrometeor

/ɪˌlɛktroʊˈmiːtiər/ noun

Definition

A meteorological phenomenon caused by or involving electrical activity in the atmosphere, such as lightning or thunder.

Etymology

From electro- + meteor (Greek 'meteoros' meaning 'high in the air'). This term developed in the 18th-19th centuries as scientists studied atmospheric electricity.

Kelly Says

Before we understood electricity, people thought lightning was divine punishment—studying electrometeors helped scientists realize that nature follows electrical laws just like our machines do.

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