Brilliant \Bril"liant\, n. [F. brillant. See Brilliant, a.]

1. A diamond or other gem of the finest cut, formed into faces and facets, so as to reflect and refract the light, by which it is rendered more brilliant. It has at the middle, or top, a principal face, called the table, which is surrounded by a number of sloping facets forming a bizet; below, it has a small face or collet, parallel to the table, connected with the girdle by a pavilion of elongated facets. It is thus distinguished from the rose diamond, which is entirely covered with facets on the surface, and is flat below.

This snuffbox -- on the hinge see brilliants shine. --Pope.

2. (Print.) The smallest size of type used in England printing.

Note: This line is printed in the type called Brilliant.

3. A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Brilliant \Bril"liant\ (br[i^]l"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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)