cracking

noun

1. The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.
2. The formation of cracks on a surface.
3. The production of a crack sound.

   “the crackings of whips”

adj

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. (colloquial)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. (colloquial)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."”

adv

1. (British, not-comparable)Very, usually associated with praise.

   “It was a cracking good show.”

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of crack