cracking

noun

1. 1

   The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.

2. 2

   The formation of cracks on a surface.

3. 3

   The production of a crack sound.

   the crackings of whips

adjective

1. 1

   That cracks; that produces a sharp sound as of something splitting or breaking.

   From the spot where the body lay came a fierce fizzing and cracking sound, which ceased, however, before the fumes had cleared away.

2. 2

   Great; excellent.

   Near-synonym: crackerjack

   The race started at a cracking pace.

   That's a cracking example of what we've been looking for.

3. 3

   Enjoyable.

   We had a cracking time.

   Near the back of the concourse is a piano, [...]. Explains Reeve: "It was donated by a lady who had written to me. My Duty Manager at the time had a qualification and so was able to restore it to full working order. I've heard some cracking tunes on it."

adverb

1. 1

   Very, usually associated with praise.

   It was a cracking good show.

verb

1. 1

   Also a form of crackpresent participle and gerund of crack

Forms

plural

crackings