Definitions

1. noun

A sudden brief flash of lightning that appears on the side of a cloud or in the sky before the main lightning bolt strikes.

“The sideflash illuminated the darkening sky just before the thunderous clap shook the ground.”

2. noun

A device or fitting on a firearm, typically a pistol or revolver, that provides a flash suppressor or reduces the visible flash of a muzzle fire.

“The rifle’s sideflash helped reduce the visibility of the shooter in the nighttime combat scenario.”