shining

Definitions

1. 1.Splendid; illustrious; brilliant; distinguished; conspicious; as, a shining example of charity.
2. 2.Having the surface smooth and polished; -- said of leaves, the surfaces of shells, etc. -- 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.
3. 3.Emission or reflection of light.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "shining" mean?
• What is another word for "shining"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is shining.

• What is splendid; illustrious; brilliant; distinguished; conspicious; as, a shining example of charity called?