I. ˈshi-mər verb
( shim·mered ; shim·mer·ing ˈshi-mə-riŋ, ˈshim-riŋ)
Etymology: Middle English schimeren, from Old English scimerian; akin to Old English scīnan to shine — more at shine
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1. : to shine with a soft tremulous or fitful light : glimmer
2. : to reflect a wavering sometimes distorted visual image
transitive verb
: to cause to shimmer
Synonyms: see flash
II. noun
Date: 1821
1. : a light that shimmers : subdued sparkle or sheen : glimmer
2. : a wavering sometimes distorted visual image usually resulting from heat-induced changes in atmospheric refraction
• shim·mery ˈshi-mə-rē, ˈshim-rē adjective