eclat

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   brilliant, stylish, or conspicuous effect or display

   The actor entered the reception with considerable eclat.

2. 2
   noun

   great public success, prestige, or enthusiastic approval

   The discovery brought fresh eclat to the research institute.

Borrowed from French éclat ("splinter, burst, brilliance"), from éclater ("to burst or shine out"). English retained the ideas of something strikingly displayed and of the acclaim or prestige produced by conspicuous success. The spelling éclat is also common.

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