I. ˈgli-tər intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English gliteren, perhaps from Old Norse glitra; akin to Old English geolu yellow
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light : sparkle
sequins glitter ed in the spotlight
b. : to shine with strong emotion : flash
eyes glitter ing in anger
2. : to be brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular ; also : to be superficially attractive or exciting
Synonyms: see flash
• glit·ter·ing·ly -tə-riŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1593
1.
a. : sparkling brilliance of something that glitters
b. : a bright usually superficial attractiveness
c. : the quality of being spectacular
2. : small glittering objects used for ornamentation
• glit·tery ˈgli-tə-rē adjective