SCINTILLA

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does scintilla mean? 

• SCINTILLA (noun)
  The noun SCINTILLA has 2 senses:

1. a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

2. a sparkling glittering particle

  Familiarity information: SCINTILLA used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SCINTILLA (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A tiny or scarcely detectable amount

Classified under:

Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure

Synonyms:

iota; scintilla; shred; smidge; smidgen; smidgeon; smidgin; tittle; whit

Hypernyms ("scintilla" is a kind of...):

small indefinite amount; small indefinite quantity (an indefinite quantity that is below average size or magnitude)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A sparkling glittering particle

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made)

Hypernyms ("scintilla" is a kind of...):

particle; subatomic particle (a body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions)

Derivation:

scintillate (emit or reflect light in a flickering manner)