scintillation [ˌsɪntlˈeɪʃən] n.
1.) The action of scintillating; emission of sparks or spark-like flashes of light.
2.) An instance of this; a flash, a spark.
3.) The twinkling or tremulous motion of the light of the fixed stars.
4.) The flashing of the eyes.
5.) Nucl. Physics. A small flash of visible or ultraviolet light emitted by fluorescence in a phosphor when it is struck by a charged particle or high-energy photon.
6.) fig. A flash, a brilliant display (of wit, of thought) (O.E.D. 2nd Ed.).
Etymology: Latin scintillare, scintillat-, from scintilla, spark.
"He had made a new system in making a staff, a world with full and fair proportions; in which, though the old cities and dynasties had passed away, fairer and more glorious ones had taken their places. And now he saw by the heap of shavings still fresh at his feet, that, for him and his work, the former lapse of time had been an illusion, and that no more time had elapsed than is required for a single scintillation from the brain of Brahma to fall on and inflame the tinder of a mortal brain. The material was pure, and his art was pure; how could the result be other than wonderful?" (Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854).
12 comments:
I love the first definition and thank you, I'll go and find out about getting one. xxx
Dare I say what a scintillating post? I had to, plus I love this word.
I am on quite a roll with your blog lately! I use this word all the time saying, "I love scintillating conversation."
Girl with the Pearl Earring is legendary.
Oh wow, a word I actually know - I am excited! =)
Oh I like that you gave the Dutch title to the painting.
I use "scintillating" all the time. "Scintillation," never.
This is one I wouldn't have been able to guess. I won't forget it though.
great word!
"Het Meisje met de Parel" is indeed Dutch for "The Girl with the Pearl"
DUTCH WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT
Such a beaufiful word, in Spanish "centelleo" is commonly use.Love this picture.:)
I learn more words here everyday!
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