scintillation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The twinkling of a star or other celestial body caused by turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere.

   Do the stars scintillate at all altitudes? Is there any altitude at which it ceases to manifest itself? At Morges the stars in general scintillate at all altitudes, although feebly near the zenith; but on the nights when the scintillation is very faint, it ceases completely at a zenith distance of 45°.

2. 2
   noun

   the twinkling of the stars caused when changes in the density of the earth's atmosphere produce uneven refraction of starlight

3. 3
   noun

   the quality of shining with a bright reflected light

4. 4
   noun

   a brilliant display of wit

From scintillate + -ion.

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