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Scintilla vs Modicum - What's the difference?

scintilla | modicum | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between scintilla and modicum

is that scintilla is a small spark or flash while modicum is a small, modest or trifling amount.

scintilla

Noun

(en-noun)
  • A small spark or flash.
  • * 1890 , Philosophical Magazine , page 364,
  • If the action of the electrodynamic waves is so violent that, even without artificial electrification of the secondary conductor, scintillæ occur in its spark-gap, the aluminium leaves remain almost without change.
  • A small or trace amount.
  • * 1876 February, ,
  • And, if I except the sagacious remark of General Duane which has been so curtly brushed aside, not a scintilla of light has been cast upon these causes by any researches ever published by the Lighthouse Board of Washington.
  • * 1878 April, ,
  • Now, it may be we have no scintilla of proof to the contrary, but reason is unnecessary in reference to that belief which is of all the most settled, which nobody doubts or can doubt, and which he who should deny would stultify himself in so doing.
  • * 1990 , ,
  • Current medical practice recommends use of heroic measures if there is a scintilla of a chance that the patient will recover, on the assumption that the measures will be discontinued should the patient improve.

    Synonyms

    * (small amount) see also .

    References

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    modicum

    English

    Noun

    (modica)
  • A small, modest or trifling amount.
  • Unable to garner even a modicum of support for his plan, he conceded to follow the others.

    Synonyms

    * (a small amount) iota, jot, tittle * See also .