different between torch vs lightbulb

English

Etymology

From Middle English torche, from Old French torche, from Vulgar Latin *torca, from torqua, from Latin torqu?s, torqu?s (“wreath”), from torque? (“twist”, verb).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /t??t?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /t??t?/
• Rhymes: -??(?)t?

Noun

torch (plural torches)

1. A stick with a flame on one end, used chiefly as a light source; a similarly shaped implement with a replaceable supply of flammable material.
   • 1984 June–July, Frances A. Harmon, The Olympic Games - For Good and All, Ebony Jr, page 18,

     Eleven days before the start of the Games, a flaming torch is ignited by the sun in Olympia at the ruins of the ancient Temple of Zeus.

   • 2008 April 22-28, Outlook, page 48,

     The degradation of the torch worldwide— it had to be snuffed out more than once to protect it from protesters—even provoked angry Chinese students to mobilise “150 strong and energetic runners” to defend it in Australia, raising the spectre of violence.

2. (Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India) A portable light source powered by electricity; a flashlight.
   • 1974, Robert Shaw, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three:

     I want you to send two unarmed policemen into the tunnel, carrying the money, and waving a torch in front of them.

   • 2003, Margo Daly, Anne Dehne, Rough Guide to Australia, page 385,

     There are no streetlights — so you?ll need to bring a torch with you, or buy one from Joy?s Shop, if you want to venture out at night.

   • 2006, Marc Llewellyn, Lee Mylne, Frommer?s Australia from $60 a Day, page 365,

     It's a good idea to bring a torch (flashlight) and maybe binoculars for wildlife spotting.

   • 2010, Nicholas Tailey, Simon O?Connor, Examination Medicine, Elsevier Australia, page 349,

     Use your pocket torch and shine the light from the side to gauge the reaction to light on both sides.

3. (US) An arsonist.
   • 1978, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Governmental Affairs. Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Arson-for-hire: hearings before the Permanent Subcommittee... (page 172)

     The torch, after setting up the device, drove to a town many miles from his home and then dialed his home number, successfully starting a fire in his own home.

   • 1984, Herbert F. Weisberg, Arson Investigation and Prosecution (page 137)

     Upon the advice of the prosecutor, who was already at the arson unit's office, the torches were not arrested, but "detained" […] The landlord was reluctant to say anything over the phone and suggested that he and the torch should meet.

   • 1996, David R. Redsicker, John J. O'Connor, Practical Fire and Arson Investigation (page 358)

     In the first instance, fixed surveillance at the building should be started immediately to try to catch the torch before the act.

4. A blowtorch or oxy-gas torch.

Synonyms

• (stick with flame at one end): brand
• (portable electric light): flashlight (US)

Derived terms

Translations

See also

• handlamp
• headlamp

Verb

torch (third-person singular simple present torches, present participle torching, simple past and past participle torched)

1. To set fire to, especially by use of a torch (flaming stick).

Synonyms

• (set fire to): burn, firebomb, ignite, inflame, set ablaze

Translations

Anagrams

• troch.

Middle English

Noun

torch

1. Alternative form of torche

Welsh

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin torquis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /t?r?/

Noun

torch f (plural torchau)

1. torque (tightly braided collar)
2. coil, ring, wreath

Derived terms

• plethdorch (“wreath”)
• torchi (“to coil”)
• torchog (“coiled”)

Mutation

Further reading

• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present) , “torch”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies

English

Etymology 1

Noun

lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)

1. Alternative spelling of light bulb

Etymology 2

Calque on Cantonese ??? (diàn d?ng pào), as though the third person is a light bulb in the background.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?la?t?b?lb/

Noun

lightbulb (plural lightbulbs)

1. (Singapore, colloquial) An uninvited third person joining a couple's date who prevents or hinders romantic interactions.
   • 2011, Heidy The Traveler, "[1]", Learn Singlish a Bit!, 23 October 2011:

     You two go ahead lah, I don't want to be lightbulb.

   • 2014, Chris Soh, "[2]", 20 Words That Mean Something Completely Different to Singaporeans, 3 August 2014:

     When she finally came out her friend joined us. Damn lightbulb leh!

   • 2014, carolcraves, "[3]", Twitter, 31 January 2014:

     Being an extra big light bulb and eating with two cousins and their husband and fiance.

Synonyms

• gooseberry
• third wheel