Nitent
/ˈnaɪtənt/noun
Shining, glittering, or having a glossy appearance.
Did you know?Nitent is largely preserved in learned and scientific vocabulary, especially botanical descriptions of glossy leaves, fruits, or surfaces.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nei-
“To shine or be bright; the reconstructed root behind the Latin family.”
Classical Latin
Latin
niteō
“I shine, glitter, or appear brilliant.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nitēns
“Shining or glittering; the present participle of nitēre.”
Late Latin / Medieval Latin
Latin
nitens
“Glossy, bright, or visually radiant; used in learned description.”
17th Century
English
nitent
“Shining or glittering, especially in technical or literary usage.”
Modern English
English
nitent
“Glossy, lustrous, or shining, chiefly in specialized writing.”