coruscate

UK: ˈkɒrəskeɪt | US: ˈkɔːrəskeɪt

Definition

  1. vi. to emit flashes of light; sparkle or glitter

  2. vi. (figuratively) to display brilliant wit or intellect

Structure
corusc <vibrate, flash>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The root "corusc-" derives from Latin coruscare, meaning "to vibrate, glitter, or flash," likely imitative of rapid movement (akin to "quiver"). The suffix "-ate" marks it as a verb in English. The word evokes the imagery of shimmering light or lively intellectual brilliance, preserving its Latin vividness.

Examples

  1. The diamond coruscated under the gallery lights.

  2. Her speech coruscated with sharp humor and insight.

  3. Sunlight coruscated on the ocean waves.

  4. The fireworks coruscated across the night sky.

  5. His writing coruscates with clever wordplay.