cracking

Universal Words noun, adjective noun [U] 1 lines on a surface where it is damaged or beginning to break: All planes are being inspected for possible cracking and corrosion. 2 the sound of sth cracking: the cracking of thunder / twigs adjective [usuallybeforenoun] (BrE, informal) excellent: That was a cracking goal. * She's in cracking form at the moment. * We set off at a cracking pace (= very quickly) cracking adverb: a cracking good (= extremely good) dinner