Dictionary definition · flare
noun
- a shape that spreads outward"the skirt had a wide flare"
- a sudden burst of flame
- a burst of light used to communicate or illuminate
- reddening of the skin spreading outward from a focus of infection or irritation
- a sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms"a colitis flare"
- a sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface; associated with sunspots and radio interference
- an unwanted reflection in an optical system (or the fogging of an image that is caused by such a reflection)
- a sudden outburst of emotion"she felt a flare of delight"
verb
- burn brightly"Every star seemed to flare with new intensity"
- become flared and widen, usually at one end"The bellbottom pants flare out"
- shine with a sudden light"The night sky flared with the massive bombardment"
- erupt or intensify suddenly"Unrest erupted in the country"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).