scintillate

[ sin-tl-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, scin·til·lat·ed, scin·til·lat·ing.

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.

verb (used with object)

, scin·til·lat·ed, scin·til·lat·ing.

1. to emit as sparks; flash forth.

scintillate

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈscintillant, adjective
• ˈscintillantly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scintillate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scintillate¹

C17: from Latin scintillāre, from scintilla a spark

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

She had promised to do this, and was only too happy to see a spark of light scintillate into life in the immeasurable darkness.

From Project Gutenberg

All the light in the room seemed to focus upon her, so did she scintillate from head to foot with spangles.

From Project Gutenberg

The large lancets which light the aisles scintillate as with precious jewels.

From Project Gutenberg

The person who has imagination can cause the facts of the multiplication table to scintillate and glow.

From Project Gutenberg