éclat

Pronunciation

• IPA: /eɪˈklÉ‘/

Alternative forms

• eclat

Origin

Borrowing from fr {{2}}, from éclater ("to burst out"), from Middle French esclater ("to break, break violently"), from Old French esclater ("to separate from, sunder out") (deverbal also in Old French: esclat ("")), from Frankish *slaitan ("to split, break"), from Proto-Germanic *slaitijaną, causative of Proto-Germanic *slītaną ("to cut up, split"). Akin to Old High German sleizan ("to tear"), Old English slītan ("to split"). More at slice, slit.

Full definition of éclat

Noun

1. A brilliant or successful effect; brilliance of success or effort; splendor; brilliant show; striking effect; glory; renown.
• 1875, Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins, ch. 4,"All she needs is a year or two at a fashionable finishing school, so that at eighteen she can come out with éclat," put in Aunt Clara.
• 2002, Ben Brantley, "Theater Review," New York Times, 5 Mar., p. E1,Against this background, made mutable by T. J. Gerckens's ethereal lighting, simple props and gestures are used with startling visual éclat.

Anagrams

• CELTA, cleat