scintillate

American  

[sin-tl-eyt] / ˈsɪn tlˌeɪt /

verb (used without object)

scintillated, scintillating

1. to emit sparks.

2. to sparkle; flash.

   a mind that scintillates with brilliance.

3. to twinkle, as the stars.

4. Electronics. (of a spot of light or image on a radar display) to shift rapidly around a mean position.

5. Physics.

   1. (of the amplitude, phase, or polarization of an electromagnetic wave) to fluctuate in a random manner.

   2. (of an energetic photon or particle) to produce a flash of light in a phosphor by striking it.

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verb (used with object)

scintillated, scintillating

1. to emit as sparks; flash forth.

scintillate British  

/ ˈsɪntɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. (also tr) to give off (sparks); sparkle; twinkle

2. to be animated or brilliant

3. physics to give off flashes of light as a result of the impact of particles or photons

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Other Word Forms

• scintillant
  adjective
• scintillantly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of scintillate

First recorded in 1615–25, scintillate is from the Latin word scintillātus (past participle of scintillāre to send out sparks, flash). See scintilla, -ate ¹

Explanation

The verb scintillate means to twinkle or glow, as in a flickering light. You may find it romantic to sit on the deck overlooking a lake on a clear night, where you can enjoy the scintillating stars in the sky and the reflection of the moon on the water. Scintillate means to be sparkling and lively. Scintillate has its roots in the Latin words scintillare, meaning "to sparkle," and scintilla, meaning "a spark." The verb scintillate is related to the adjective scintillating and the noun scintilla. If you enjoy witty repartee, people may say your conversation scintillates with humor and they enjoy how you are so clever.

Example Sentences

Dr. Ruth E. Chew, in a lecture entitled "Shine, Shimmer, Scintillate," told how she put people on "a diet of joy."

From Time Magazine Archive

When torrid Phœbus refuses his presence And ceases to lamp with fierce incandescence, Then you illumine the regions supernal, Scintillate, scintillate, semper nocturnal.

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn

Scintillate, scintillate, globule orific, Fain would I fathom thy nature's specific.

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn

Scintillate all you want to, Hetty," cried Patsy with a laugh; "but you're not going to be extinguished.

From Aunt Jane's Nieces on Vacation by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)