scintilla

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A small spark or flash.

   If the action of the electrodynamic waves is so violent that, even without artificial electrification of the secondary conductor, scintillæ occur in its spark-gap, the aluminium leaves remain almost without change.

2. 2
   noun

   A small or trace amount.

   A scintilla of hope.

Existing in English since the 17th century; borrowed from Latin scintilla (“spark”).

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