ful·mi·na·tion \ˌfu̇lməˈnāshən also ˌfəl-\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French, pronouncement of an ecclesiastical sentence or censure, from Latin fulmination-, fulminatio lightning, from fulminatus (past participle of fulminare to lightning) + -ion-, -io -ion 1.: vehement menace or censure < uncowed by police fulmination > 2.: something that is thundered forth < ecclesiastical fulminations > 3.: the act or action of exploding