# scintillate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈsɪn.tɪˌleɪt/

## Definitions
1. To give off sparks; to shine as if emanating sparks; to twinkle or glow.
2. Of a star or other celestial body: to vary rapidly in brightness; to twinkle.
3. Especially of a phosphor: to emit a flash of light upon absorbing ionizing radiation.
4. To dazzle or to impress.
5. To throw off like sparks.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin scintillātus, past participle of scintillāre (“to sparkle, glitter, gleam, flash”), from scintilla (“a spark”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/scintillate