Scintilla
/sɪnˈtɪlə/noun
A tiny spark or flash; a very small trace or bit of something.
Did you know?Latin *scintilla* meant a literal spark or glowing particle, and its root is tied to the same ancient fire-language that gave English words for flashing, shining, and scintillating light.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skend-
“To burn, spark, or glow (reconstructed root often associated with fire and shining).”
Latin
Latin
scintilla
“A spark, tiny glowing particle, or small flash of light.”
Latin
Latin
scintillāre
“To spark, flash, or emit little sparks.”
Old French
Old French
scintiller
“To sparkle or flash repeatedly.”
Middle English
English
scintille
“A spark or tiny particle; later, a very small amount.”
Modern English
English
scintilla
“A tiny trace or spark of something.”
Explore more surprising origins