Scintillae

Scintillae are minute specks or traces of matter or light, the plural of scintilla. The term derives from the Latin scintilla, meaning spark, and is used across scientific disciplines as a descriptive label for very small features. Because scintilla is an informal descriptor rather than a technical term, the precise meaning of scintillae varies with context.

In microscopy and histology, scintillae often refer to tiny pigment granules or mineral inclusions visible within cells or tissues. In geology and mineralogy, they may denote tiny reflective grains, micro-scale crystals, or inclusions that catch light in polished sections. In botany and paleobotany, scintillae can describe small crystal inclusions or other micro-structures identified in plant tissues. The usage emphasizes their diminutive size and spark-like appearance rather than a specific identity.

The term is chiefly descriptive and context-dependent. Readers seeking precise definitions should consult field-specific glossaries or literature, since scintillae can refer to different small features in different disciplines. See also scintilla and scintillation.