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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Distinguished by qualities which excite admiration; splendid; shining; as, brilliant talents. [ 1913 Webster ]

Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes than to perform brilliant exploits. Fisher Ames. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Exceedingly intelligent, or of distinguished accomplishment in a field; -- as, a brilliant chemist. [ PJC ]

Syn. -- See Shining. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

This snuffbox -- on the hinge see brilliants shine. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Print.) The smallest size of type used in England printing. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This line is printed in the type called Brilliant. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. brillantine. See lst Brilliant. ] 1. An oily composition used to make the hair manageable and glossy. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A dress fabric having a glossy finish on both sides, resembling alpaca but of superior quality. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

adv. In a brilliant manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Brilliancy; splendor; glitter. [ 1913 Webster ]