Scintilla

Friday, November 28, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Scintilla?

noun
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/
UK pronunciation: /sɪnˈtɪl.ə/
Slow pronunciation: sin-TILL-uh

Meaning Explained

Scintilla captures the glint at the start — the merest spark that can ignite action or proof.

Why This Word?

Chosen to honor beginnings so small they’re easy to miss.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • A scintilla of hope kept them moving.
  • No scintilla of evidence supported the claim.
  • The project began with a scintilla of curiosity.

Word Origins

Latin scintilla “spark”

Legal use: “not a scintilla of evidence.”

First appearance in English: 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Verb: scintillate

    Stars seemed to scintillate in the cold air.

  • Noun: spark

    A spark of insight changed the plan.

  • Noun: trace

    Only a trace of dye remained.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: chispa / ápice
  • French: scintille / brin
  • German: Fünkchen / Spur
  • Italian: scintilla / briciolo
  • Portuguese: centelha / nesga

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Iota

A very small amount; scintilla suggests a spark.

Modicum

Small portion; scintilla adds vividness.

Glimmer

Faint light/hope; scintilla is the spark itself.

Fun Facts

  • “Scintillate” means to emit sparks; hence “scintillating conversation.”
  • Latin “scintilla” metaphorically meant a small amount of anything.

Cultural Usage

  • Courts reject verdicts with not a scintilla of evidence.
  • Scintillation counters detect tiny flashes from particles.

Common Mistakes

Not “scintillating” as a noun; that’s the adjective/participle.

Micro Story

There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt after the demo.