éclat

[ey-klah, ey-kla]

noun

1. brilliance of success, reputation, etc..

   the éclat of a great achievement.

2. showy or elaborate display.

   a performance of great éclat.

3. acclamation; acclaim.

éclat

/ eɪˈklɑː, ekla /

noun

1. brilliant or conspicuous success, effect, etc

2. showy display; ostentation

3. social distinction

4. approval; acclaim; applause

Word History and Origins

Origin of éclat¹

1665–75; < French: splinter, fragment, burst, flash, brilliance, Old French esclat, noun derivative of esclater to burst, break violently, probably < Old Low Franconian *slaitan to split, break (compare Old High German sleizan to tear), a causative of Germanic *slitan; slit

Word History and Origins

Origin of éclat¹

C17: from French, from éclater to burst; related to Old French esclater to splinter, perhaps of Germanic origin; compare _slit