| scintillate | (v) give off, Example: the substance scintillated sparks and flashes |
| scintillate | (v) physics: fluoresce momentarily when struck by a charged particle or high-energy photon, Example: the phosphor fluoresced |
| scintillating scotoma | (n) a localized area of diminished vision edged by shimmering colored lights; in many people it indicates the onset of migraine, Syn. flittering scotoma |
| scintillation | (n) (physics) a flash of light that is produced in a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or ionizing particle |
| scintillation | (n) a brilliant display of wit |
| scintillation | (n) the twinkling of the stars caused when changes in the density of the earth's atmosphere produce uneven refraction of starlight |
| scintillation counter | (n) counter tube in which light flashes when exposed to ionizing radiation |
| Scintillate | v. i. As the electrical globe only scintillates when rubbed against its cushion. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Scintillation | n. [ L. scintillatio: cf. F. scintillation. ] These scintillations are . . . the inflammable effluences discharged from the bodies collided. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ] |