scintillate

[sin-tl-eyt]

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.

verb (used with object)

scintillated, scintillating 

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

Other Word Forms

• scintillant adjective
• scintillantly 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

"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this season - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still find a way to win."

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The 21-year-old made three other scintillating breaks and, had he kept his composure for one of them, would have teed up George Horne for a further score.

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They then quick-change into fabulous metallic gowns and, with the help of LED panels and lighting cues, the bedroom transforms into a fashion runway of scintillating secretaries, singing and dancing in feminine revelry.

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Although Leclerc also improved on his own final run, the Briton eclipsed the Ferrari driver with a scintillating lap to take his first pole since the Belgian Grand Prix back in July.

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Next week he will defend his Hong Kong Open title after pulling in record crowds there last year where he shot a scintillating 59 in the third round.

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