coruscation

[ kawr-uh-skey-shuhn, kor- ]

noun

1. the act of coruscating.
2. a sudden gleam or flash of light.
3. a striking display of brilliance or wit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coruscation¹

First recorded in 1480–90, coruscation is from the Late Latin word coruscātiōn- (stem of coruscātiō ). See coruscate, -ion

Example Sentences

Two tears slid down her fallen cheeks, in and out of the myriad coruscations of immolation and abnegation and time.

From Literature

In the early decades of the 20th century modernity was frequently summarised as a sort of disorienting coruscation.

From The Guardian

Captain Bonnycastle caused a bucket of this fiery water to be drawn up: it was one mass of light when stirred by the hand, and not in sparks, as usual, but in actual coruscations.

From Project Gutenberg

Now he folds his arms upon his breast, utters some beautiful sentiment, relaxes them, recedes a step, and gives wing to the coruscations of his fancy, while a winning smile plays over his countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr Disraeli, always pre-eminently happy on these occasions, delighted host, hostess, and guests by a coruscation of glittering antitheses, and flashing epigrams in affectionate honour of the bride and bridegroom.

From Project Gutenberg