Scintillation: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin 'scintillare', which means 'to sparkle or to emit sparks'.
• It has been used in English since the 17th century, showing how the idea of sparkling has fascinated people for centuries.

Science

• In physics, scintillation refers to the flashes of light produced when radiation hits a certain material, often used in detectors.
• Many optical devices use scintillation to enhance visibility and light detection, impacting fields like astronomy and medical imaging.

Literature

• Scintillation is often used in poetry and prose to evoke beauty, representing moments of brilliance and inspiration.
• Authors like Virginia Woolf have used similar terms to describe fleeting thoughts or emotions akin to shimmering lights.

Pop Culture

• The term is occasionally used in music and film to describe bright moments or dramatic changes in scenes, adding a sense of flashy excitement.
• In video games, 'scintillation' is sometimes depicted visually as characters or objects emit glittering effects during special moves.

Psychology

• The human brain is wired to respond to bright flashes or movements, which draws attention and enhances experiences like watching fireworks.
• People often associate bright, sparkling visuals with positive feelings, reflecting joy or wonderment.

With rank #17,107, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 17104 eviction
• 17105 wielded
• 17106 mariners
• 17107 scintillation
• 17108 granulated
• 17109 affluence
• 17110 licking
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