glis ‧ ten /ˈɡlɪs ə n/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: glisnian ]
to shine and look wet or oily
glisten with
The boy’s back was glistening with sweat.
glistening black hair
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THESAURUS
■ to shine by reflecting light
▪ sparkle/glitter if something sparkles, it shines with many small bright points when light is on it:
The sea sparkled in the sunlight.
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Jewels glittered around her neck.
▪ gleam to shine by reflecting the light – used especially about smooth clean surfaces, or about someone’s eyes or teeth:
The sword’s blade gleamed.
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a gleaming sports car
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His blue eyes gleamed with amusement.
▪ glint to shine with quick flashes of light:
The knife glinted in the sunlight.
▪ glisten literary to shine – used about wet or oily surfaces. Used especially when saying that someone’s eyes are full of tears, or someone’s skin is covered in sweat:
As they were leaving, her eyes glistened with tears.
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His forehead was glistening with sweat.
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The wet chairs glistened in the afternoon sun.
▪ catch the light if something catches the light, it shines because it is reflecting light:
Her diamond ring caught the light.