flicker

Meaning

Noun

1. An unsteady flash of light.
2. A short moment.

Verb

1. To burn or shine unsteadily, or with a wavering light.
2. To keep going on and off; to appear and disappear for short moments; to flutter.
3. To flutter or flap.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈflɪkə/

Etymology

From Middle English flikeren (“to flutter”), from Old English flicerian, flicorian (“to flutter”).
Akin to Saterland Frisian flikkerje (“to flicker”),
West Frisian flikkerje (“to flicker”), Dutch flikkeren (“to flicker, flutter”), German Low German flickern (“to light up, flash, flicker”). Compare Old English flacor (“flickering, fluttering”), German flackern (“to flicker, flutter”), Old English flēoġan (“to fly”).