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scintilla
(redirected from scintillas)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.

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.


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.


scintilla noun bit, corpuscle, grain, insignificant amount, iota, minim, modicum, particle, small amount, small quantity, spark, tittle, trace, trifle, whit
Associated concepts: scintilla of evidence


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