scintillation

noun

scin·​til·​la·​tion ˌsin-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce scintillation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of scintillating
especially : rapid changes in the brightness of a celestial body
2
a
: a spark or flash emitted in scintillating
b
: a flash of light produced in a phosphor by an ionizing event
3
: a brilliant outburst (as of wit)
4
: a flash of the eye

Examples of scintillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Germanium semiconductor detectors, radioactive cesium concentration detectors, sodium iodide scintillation spectrometers and more scan the produce for any signs of radioactivity. Kate Graham-Shaw, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2024 While lacking some knowledge of the original source material may hinder the play’s clarity, the staccato rhythms iron out beautifully in a stunning second act that ties up every necessary loose end with scintillation. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2024 The quality of light at the moment when totality begins is stupendous with an amazing show of iridescence, scintillation, and delicate colors. Michael E. Bakich, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2024 See the white or black spots flickering at the intersections in this image from Ninio's study? Blurred Hermann grids produce, as found by Bergen (1985), a scintillation effect. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 12 Sep. 2016 This reaction produces a tiny amount of light—scintillation—which is measured by sensors and subsequently processed by computer algorithms. WIRED, 13 Jan. 2023 The strange state of affairs today is that one scintillation experiment—DAMA, located at Gran Sasso—has actually seen a signal. Lisa Randall, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2012 There will be a flash or scintillation of ultraviolet light. Fred Guterl, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2010 Hilary Duff's Late Late Show look some subtle scintillation. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scintillation was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near scintillation

Cite this Entry

“Scintillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scintillation. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

scintillation

noun
scin·​til·​la·​tion ˌsint-ᵊl-ˈā-shən How to pronounce scintillation (audio)
often attributive
: a flash of light produced in a phosphor by an ionizing event

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