sunburst

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a sudden strong appearance or outburst of sunlight, especially through clouds

   A sunburst at the edge of the storm lit the grey sea for a moment.

2. 2
   noun

   a design or ornament with rays spreading outward from a central point like the sun

   A carved sunburst filled the circular panel above the doorway.

3. 3
   noun

   a graduated finish on a guitar or other object that is lighter at the center and darker toward the edge

   The musician chose a violin-shaped bass with a tobacco sunburst finish.

A compound of sun + burst. The word first evokes sunlight breaking out suddenly; the same image of rays spreading from a bright center produced the decorative-design sense and, later, the name of a graduated instrument finish.

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