scintillation

A noun referring to a flash of light produced when a phosphor absorbs a photon or ionizing particle, or more generally a brief spark, twinkle, or brilliant display.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das das kurze Aufblitzen von Licht bezeichnet, das entsteht, wenn ein Phosphor ein Photon oder ein ionisierendes Teilchen absorbiert; im weiteren Sinne ein kurzes Funkeln, Flackern oder eine glänzende Erscheinung.

1. Flash of light in physics C1 formal scientific

   A brief flash of light emitted by a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or an ionizing particle.

   • The scintillation detector recorded each particle interaction.
   • Scintillation in the phosphor screen indicated the presence of radiation.
   • The physicist observed a faint scintillation in the dark chamber.

   🇩🇪Szintillation

   Synonyme: flashglintspark

2. Rapid change in brightness C1 formal

   A quick, brief spark or flash of light, often involving rapid changes in brightness.

   • The diamond's scintillation caught everyone's eye.
   • The firefly's scintillation was visible in the twilight.
   • The scintillation of the gemstone was mesmerizing.

   🇩🇪Funkeln

   Synonyme: flickeringglimmeringglitteringsparklingtwinkling

3. Brilliant display of wit C2 formal

   A lively and brilliant display of cleverness or humor in conversation or writing.

   • Her scintillation at the dinner party entertained all the guests.
   • The author's scintillation is evident in every witty remark.
   • His scintillation made the debate both engaging and insightful.

   🇩🇪Geistreicher Witz

   Synonyme: brillianceclevernesseffervescenceflashglittersparklewitwittiness

   Antonyme: dullness

4. Quality of shining brightly C1 formal

   The quality of reflecting light brightly, often with a sparkling or gleaming effect.

   • The scintillation of the polished silverware was stunning.
   • The lake's surface had a beautiful scintillation under the sun.
   • The scintillation of the chandelier lit up the entire room.

   🇩🇪Funkeln

   Synonyme: flashgleamglistenglittershimmersparkletwinkle

5. Twinkling of stars C1 formal scientific

   The twinkling effect of stars caused by changes in the density of Earth's atmosphere, leading to uneven refraction of starlight.

   • The scintillation of the stars was particularly strong on that clear night.
   • Astronomers account for atmospheric scintillation when observing distant objects.
   • The twinkling scintillation of the stars is a beautiful natural phenomenon.

   🇩🇪Funkeln der Sterne

   Synonyme: flickeringglimmeringsparklingtwinkling

• scintillations plural form
• scintillations' possessive plural form
• scintillation's possessive singular form