/ ˈglɪtə(r); NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ v ]
1.
to shine brightly with little flashes of light, like a diamond
SYN sparkle :
The ceiling of the cathedral glittered with gold.
The water glittered in the sunlight.
➡ note at shine
2.
glitter (with sth) ( of the eyes ) to shine brightly with a particular emotion, usually a strong one :
His eyes glittered with greed.
•
IDIOMS
see gold noun
■ noun
1.
[ U ] bright light consisting of many little flashes :
the glitter of diamonds
2.
[ sing. ] a bright expression in sb's eyes showing a particular emotion
SYN glint :
There was a triumphant glitter in his eyes.
3.
[ U ] the attractive, exciting qualities that sb/sth, especially a rich and famous person or place, seems to have
SYN glamour :
the superficial glitter of show business
4.
[ U ] very small shiny pieces of thin metal or paper that are stuck to things as a decoration :
gold / silver glitter
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old Norse glitra .