glitter

/ˈgli-tər/

Middle English gliteren, perhaps from Old Norse glitra; akin to Old English geolu yellow

verb

  1. to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light : sparkle

  2. to shine with strong emotion : flash

  3. to be brilliantly attractive, lavish, or spectacular; also : to be superficially attractive or exciting

sequins glittered in the spotlight

eyes glittering in anger

flash gleam glint sparkle glitter glisten glimmer shimmer mean to send forth light. flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light. gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

noun

  1. sparkling brilliance of something that glitters

  2. a bright usually superficial attractiveness

  3. the quality of being spectacular

noun

  1. rock music characterized by performers wearing fanciful costumes and flamboyant makeup : glam, rock

When the English pop star Leo Sayer first performed in this country in the mid-1970's, he wore Pierrot makeup and played the role of a sad clown. It was the age of glitter rock, and performers like Elton John and David Bowie were enjoying great success mixing rock with English music-hall theatricality.