v. 1 (cause to) emit a brief or sudden light; (cause to) gleam. 2 send or reflect like a sudden flame (eyesflashed fire). 3 a burst suddenly into view or perception (answer flashed upon me). b move swiftly (train flashed past). 4 a send (news etc.) by radio, telegraph, etc. b signal to (a person) with lights. 5 colloq. show ostentatiously (flashed her ring). 6 slang indecently expose oneself. n. 1 sudden bright light or flame, e.g. of lightning. 2 an instant (in a flash). 3 sudden brief feeling, display of wit, etc. Wash of hope). 4 = NEWSFLASH. 5 Photog. = FLASHLIGHT 1. 6 Mil. coloured cloth patch on a uniform. 7 bright patch of colour. adj. colloq. gaudy; showy; vulgar Wash car). [imitative]
