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

The system Amorim plays, in his 3-4-3 formation, is OK if you are winning or playing scintillating football but at the moment United are doing neither.

From BBC

But quashing that speculation would likely require content more scintillating than this drivel.

From Salon

Spurs were scintillating on their visit here last November and inflicted a 4-0 thrashing, but they were given a helping hand on this occasion and it was one they gleefully accepted.

From BBC

So often the whole seemed slightly less than the sum of its scintillating parts.

From Los Angeles Times

“Sky Islands” evokes the magical Philippines upper rainforests, where sounds scintillate in a thinned atmosphere that gives gongs new glories, where animals capable of great ascension exclusively live, where the mind is ready for enlightenment.

From Los Angeles Times