Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Brilliant
Bril′liant
(brĭl′yant)
, Adj.
[F. of
brillant
, p.
pr.
briller
to shine or sparkle (cf. Pr. & Sp. brillar
, It. brillare
), fr. L. beryllus
a precious stone of sea-green color, Prov. It. brill
. See Beryl
.] 1.
Sparkling with luster; glittering; very bright;
as, a
. brilliant
star2.
Distinguished by qualities which excite admiration; splendid; shining;
as,
. brilliant
talentsWashington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes than to perform
brilliant
exploits. Fisher Ames.
Syn. – See
Shining
. 1.
A diamond or other gem of the finest cut, formed into faces and facets, so as to reflect and refract the light, by which it is rendered more brilliant. It has at the middle, or top, a principal face, called the
table
, which is surrounded by a number of sloping facets forming a bizet
; below, it has a small face or collet
, parallel to the table, connected with the girdle
by a pavilion
of elongated facets. It is thus distinguished from the rose diamond, which is entirely covered with facets on the surface, and is flat below. This snuffbox – on the hinge see
brilliants
shine. Pope.
2.
(Print.)
The smallest size of type used in England printing.
☞ This line is printed in the type called Brilliant.
3.
A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.
Webster 1828 Edition
Brilliant
BRILL'IANT
,Adj.
1.
Sparkling with luster; glittering; as a brilliant gem; a brilliant dress.2.
Splendid; shining; as a brilliant achievement.Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes,than to perform brilliant exploits.
BRILL'IANT
,Noun.
1.
In the manege, a brisk,high-spirited horse,with a stately carriage.Definition 2024
brilliant
brilliant
English
Adjective
brilliant (comparative more brilliant, superlative most brilliant)
- Shining brightly.
- the brilliant lights along the promenade
- (of a colour) Both bright and saturated.
- butterflies with brilliant blue wings
- (of a voice or sound) having a sharp, clear tone
- Of surpassing excellence.
- The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant.
- Magnificent or wonderful.
- Highly intelligent.
- She is a brilliant scientist.
Synonyms
- (shining brightly): glittering, shining
- (of a colour: both light and saturated):
- (of a voice or sound: having a sharp, clear tone):
- (surpassing excellence): excellent, distinctive, striking, superb (obsolete except in UK usage)
- (magnificent or wonderful): exceptional, glorious, magnificent, marvellous/marvelous, splendid, wonderful (obsolete except in UK usage)
- (highly intelligent): brainy, ingenious
- See also Wikisaurus:intelligent
Related terms
Translations
shining brightly
|
of a colour: both light and saturated
of a voice or sound: having a sharp, clear tone
of surpassing excellence
|
magnificent or wonderful (primarily UK usage)
highly intelligent
Noun
brilliant (countable and uncountable, plural brilliants)
- A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone.
- (Can we date this quote?) Alexander Pope
- This snuffbox — on the hinge see brilliants shine.
- 1891, Arthur Conan Doyle, A Case of Identity
- “And the ring?” I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sparkled upon his finger.
- (Can we date this quote?) Alexander Pope
- (uncountable, printing, dated) The size of type between excelsior and diamond, standardized as 4-point.
- Most hummingbird species of the genus Heliodoxa.
- A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.
Descendants
- (small type size): (German) Brillant
Translations
cut gemstone
4-point type
hummingbird of the genus Heliodoxa
|
Crimean Tatar
Etymology
Noun
brilliant
Declension
Declension of brilliant
| nominative | brilliant |
|---|---|
| genitive | brilliantnıñ |
| dative | brilliantqa |
| accusative | brilliantnı |
| locative | brilliantta |
| ablative | brillianttan |
References
- Mirjejev, V. A.; Usejinov, S. M. (2002) Ukrajinsʹko-krymsʹkotatarsʹkyj slovnyk [Ukrainian – Crimean Tatar Dictionary], Simferopol: Dolya, ISBN 966-7980-89-8