Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Shining

Shin′ing

,
Adj.
1.
Emitting light, esp. in a continuous manner; radiant;
as,
shining
lamps
; also, bright by the reflection of light;
as,
shining
armor
.
“Fish . . . with their fins and shining scales.”
Milton.
2.
Splendid; illustrious; brilliant; distinguished; conspicious;
as, a
shining
example of charity
.
3.
Having the surface smooth and polished; – said of leaves, the surfaces of shells, etc.
Syn. – Glistening; bright; radiant; resplendent; effulgent; lustrous; brilliant; glittering; splendid; illustrious.
–
Shining
,
Brilliant
,
Sparking
. Shining describes the steady emission of a strong light, or the steady reflection of light from a clear or polished surface. Brilliant denotes a shining of great brightness, but with gleams or flashes. Sparkling implies a fitful, intense shining from radiant points or sparks, by which the eye is dazzled. The same distinctions obtain when these epithets are figuratively applied. A man of shining talents is made conspicious by possessing them; if they flash upon the mind with a peculiarly striking effect, we call them brilliant; if his brilliancy is marked by great vivacity and occasional intensity, he is sparkling.
True paradise . . . inclosed with
shining
rock.
Milton.
Some in a
brilliant
buckle bind her waist,
Some round her neck a circling light display.
Gay.
His
sparkling
blade about his head he blest.
Spenser.

Shin′ing

,
Noun.
Emission or reflection of light.

Webster 1828 Edition


Shining

SHI'NING

, ppr.
1. Emitting light; beaming; gleaming.
2. a. Bright; splendid; radiant.
3. Illustrious; distinguished; conspicuous; as a shining example of charity.

SHI'NING

,
Noun.
Effusion or clearness of light; brightness.