ˈɡlɪsən ˈɡlɪtə(ɹ) ˈɡlɪtɚ ˌsɪntɪˈleɪʃən ˌsɪntəˈleɪʃən ˈspɑɹkl̩ɪŋ ˈspɑːkl̩ɪŋ ˈtwɪŋkl̩ the twinkling of the stars caused when changes in the density of the earth's atmosphere produce uneven refraction of starlight the quality of shining with a bright reflected light a brilliant display of wit a rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash (physics) a flash of light that is produced in a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or ionizing particle