01 a. Emitting light, esp. in a continuous manner; radiant; as, shining lamps; also, bright by the reflection of light; as, shining armor.
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1.
Emitting light, esp. in a continuous manner; radiant; as, shining lamps; also, bright by the reflection of light; as, shining armor.
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2.
Splendid; illustrious; brilliant; distinguished; conspicious; as, a shining example of charity.
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3.
Having the surface smooth and polished; -- said of leaves, the surfaces of shells, etc.“True paradise . . . inclosed with shining rock.” — Milton.“Some in a brilliant buckle bind her waist, Some round her neck a circling light display.” — Gay.“His sparkling blade about his head he blest.” — Spenser.
Syn.
Glistening; bright; radiant; resplendent; effulgent; lustrous; brilliant; glittering; splendid; illustrious.
Shining, Brilliant, Sparking. Shining describes the steady emission of a strong light, or the steady reflection of light from a clear or polished surface. Brilliant denotes a shining of great brightness, but with gleams or flashes. Sparkling implies a fitful, intense shining from radiant points or sparks, by which the eye is dazzled. The same distinctions obtain when these epithets are figuratively applied. A man of shining talents is made conspicious by possessing them; if they flash upon the mind with a peculiarly striking effect, we call them brilliant; if his brilliancy is marked by great vivacity and occasional intensity, he is sparkling.