lightening

[ lahyt-n-ing ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

1. the descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity, occurring toward the end of pregnancy, changing the contour of the abdomen and facilitating breathing by lessening pressure under the diaphragm.

lightening

/ ˈlaɪtənɪŋ /

noun

1. obstetrics the sensation, experienced by many women late in pregnancy when the head of the fetus enters the pelvis, of a reduction in pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier to breathe

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightening¹

First recorded in 1520–30; lighten ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Some mood lightening seemed in order given how far the team has come since its 1-5 start.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles, writes a diatribe against ‘ignorant self-hating’ critics who accused the singer of lightening her skin at the ‘Renaissance’ premiere.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite Saujani’s question about lightening the hardships working parents, especially women, face to stay in the workforce, Trump maintained that his economic proposals would act as a catch-all solution even though numerous economic experts say that Trump’s economic policies will actually weaken the economy, increase inflation, and increase prices of goods and services for the average American.

From Salon

Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles, writes a diatribe against ‘ignorant self-hating’ critics who accused the singer of lightening her skin at the ‘Renaissance’ premiere.

From Los Angeles Times

"I think this will help make good writers great, mediocre writers good and democratize writing. It can make people more productive and can be an empowerment of human potential. I'm hugely optimistic that technology is getting better in most respects and lightening the effects we have on the Earth. We hope this is just the beginning and that people continue to dig into this issue further."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• encouraging
• reassuring
• refreshing
• soothing