brilliant

Etymology

Borrowed from French brillant (late 17th century), present participle of the verb briller, from Italian brillare, possibly from Latin berillus, beryllus (“a beryl, gem, eyeglass”), from Ancient Greek βήρυλλος (bḗrullos, “beryl”).

adj

1. Shining brightly.
   the brilliant lights along the promenade
2. (of a colour) Both bright and saturated.
   butterflies with brilliant blue wings
3. (of a voice or sound) Having a sharp, clear tone.
4. (Britain) Of surpassing excellence.
   The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant.
5. (Britain) Magnificent or wonderful.
6. Highly intelligent.
   She is a brilliant scientist.

noun

1. A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to maximize light return through the top (called "table") of the stone.
   This snuffbox — on the hinge see brilliants shine. 1717, Alexander Pope, The Basset-Table
2. (uncountable, printing, dated) The size of type between excelsior and diamond, standardized as 4-point.
3. Most hummingbird species of the genus Heliodoxa.
4. A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.