1. A rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash
   "The scintillation of the diamonds caught everyone's attention";
   - twinkle, sparkling
    
2. The quality of shining with a bright reflected light
   "The scintillation of the morning dew caught her eye";
   - glitter, glister [archaic], glisten, sparkle
    
3. The twinkling of the stars caused when changes in the density of the earth's atmosphere produce uneven refraction of starlight
   "The scintillation of stars is more noticeable on clear nights"
    
4. (physics) a flash of light that is produced in a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or ionizing particle
   "The scintillation in the detector indicated the presence of radioactive particles"
    
5. A brilliant display of wit
   "Her scintillation at the dinner party kept everyone entertained"

Derived forms: scintillations

Type of: alteration, brightness, brilliance, change, fluctuation, genius, light, modification, visible light, visible radiation, wavering

Encyclopedia: Scintillation