Flashing or sparkling brightly, like light bouncing off something shiny; dazzling in appearance or wit.
From Latin 'coruscatus,' past participle of 'coruscare' meaning 'to flash or sparkle.' The word evolved in English during the 17th century to describe both literal gleaming light and figurative brilliance of intellect or speech.
This word perfectly captures why fireworks mesmerize us—it's not just brightness, but the rapid flickering and dancing of light. Medieval scholars used this word to describe everything from sword flashes in battle to the glitter of precious gems, showing how humans have always been fascinated by things that move and glimmer.
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