Shining

Part of speech: noun (n.)

Emission or reflection of light.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

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.

Synonyms: 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.