Bril″liant (brĭl″yant), 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.
2. Distinguished by qualities which excite admiration; splendid; shining; as, brilliant talents.
Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes than to perform brilliant exploits.
Fisher Ames.
Syn. — See Shining.