Brilliant (br&ibreve_;ly&aitalic_;nt), 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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