I. glit ‧ ter 1 /ˈɡlɪtə $ -ər/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old Norse ; Origin: glitra ]
1 . to shine brightly with flashing points of light SYN sparkle :
The river glittered in the sunlight.
2 . if someone’s eyes glitter, they shine very brightly and show a particular strong emotion
glitter with
His blue eyes glittered with anger.
• • •
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.
II. glitter 2 BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
1 . brightness consisting of many flashing points of light:
the glitter of his gold cigarette case
2 . literary a bright shining expression in someone’s eyes that shows a particular emotion SYN gleam :
There was no mistaking the mocking glitter in his eyes.
3 . the exciting attractive quality of a place or a way of life which is connected with rich or famous people:
The glamour and glitter of London was not for him.
4 . very small pieces of shiny paper that are used for decoration
—glittery adjective :
glittery earrings