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

"It's all done by mirrors," the King joked, lightening the mood.

From BBC

On Tuesday, she fiercely came to her daughter’s defense after critics accused the artist of lightening her skin.

From Los Angeles Times

That fire was started by lightening, not PG&E’s power lines, but it is a reminder of the lasting damage that wildfires can cause.

From Seattle Times

Christopher Wong, a currency strategist at OCBC, attributed the dollar's slide to traders "lightening up" on their long dollar positions ahead of the inflation print.

From Reuters

Related Words

• encouraging
• reassuring
• refreshing
• soothing