cracking

Etymology

noun

1. (chemistry) 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.
2. (colloquial) Great.
   The race started at a cracking pace.
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." December 30 2020, Richard Clinnick, “Greater Anglia strikes again...”, in Rail, page 43

adv

1. (Britain) Very, usually associated with praise.
   It was a cracking good show.

verb

1. present participle and gerund of crack