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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Brilliant \Bril"liant\ (br[i^]l"yant), a. [F. brillant, p. pr.
of briller to shine or sparkle (cf. Pr. & Sp. brillar, It.
brillare), fr. L. beryllus a precious stone of sea-green
color, Prov. It. brill. See {Beryl}.]
1. Sparkling with luster; glittering; very bright; as, a
brilliant star.
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2. Distinguished by qualities which excite admiration;
splendid; shining; as, brilliant talents.
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Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal
mistakes than to perform brilliant exploits.
--Fisher Ames.
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3. Exceedingly intelligent, or of distinguished
accomplishment in a field; -- as, a brilliant chemist.
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Syn: See {Shining}.
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Brilliant \Bril"liant\, n. [F. brillant. See {Brilliant}, a.]
1. A diamond or other gem of the finest cut, formed into
faces and facets, so as to reflect and refract the light,
by which it is rendered more brilliant. It has at the
middle, or top, a principal face, called the table, which
is surrounded by a number of sloping facets forming a
bizet; below, it has a small face or collet, parallel to
the table, connected with the girdle by a pavilion of
elongated facets. It is thus distinguished from the rose
diamond, which is entirely covered with facets on the
surface, and is flat below.
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This snuffbox -- on the hinge see brilliants shine.
--Pope.
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2. (Print.) The smallest size of type used in England
printing.
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3. A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.
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