Scintilla

A glimmer; a spark; the slightest particle or trace.

"Scintilla of evidence" is a metaphorical expression describing a very insignificant or trifling item of evidence. The common-law rule provides that if there is any evidence at all in a case, even a mere scintilla, that tends to support a material issue, the case cannot be taken from the jury but must be left to its decision.

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scintilla n. Latin for "spark." Scintilla is commonly used in reference to evidence, in the context that there must be a "scintilla of evidence" (at least a faint spark) upon which to base a judgment.