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Lightest

 - 9 dictionary results

light

1  [lahyt] noun, adjective, -er, -est, verb, light⋅ed or lit, light⋅ing.
Use Lightest in a Sentence
–noun
1. something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colors depend on light.
2. Physics.
a. Also called luminous energy, radiant energy. electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nm and propagated at a speed of 186,282 mi./sec (299,972 km/sec), considered variously as a wave, corpuscular, or quantum phenomenon.
b. a similar form of radiant energy that does not affect the retina, as ultraviolet or infrared rays.
3. the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight.
4. an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon.
5. the radiance or illumination from a particular source: the light of a candle.
6. the illumination from the sun; daylight: We awoke at the first light.
7. daybreak or dawn: when light appeared in the east.
8. daytime: Summer has more hours of light.
9. a particular light or illumination in which an object seen takes on a certain appearance: viewing the portrait in dim light.
10. a device for or means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match: Could you give me a light?
11. a traffic light: Don't cross till the light changes.
12. the aspect in which a thing appears or is regarded: Try to look at the situation in a more cheerful light.
13. the state of being visible, exposed to view, or revealed to public notice or knowledge; limelight: Stardom has placed her in the light.
14. a person who is an outstanding leader, celebrity, or example; luminary: He became one of the leading lights of Restoration drama.
15. Art.
a. the effect of light falling on an object or scene as represented in a picture.
b. one of the brightest parts of a picture.
16. a gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes.
17. a measure or supply of light; illumination: The wall cuts off our light.
18. spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment.
19. Architecture.
a. Also called day. one compartment of a window or window sash.
b. a window, esp. a small one.
20. mental insight; understanding.
21. lights, the information, ideas, or mental capacities possessed: to act according to one's lights.
22. a lighthouse.
23. Archaic. the eyesight.
–adjective
24. having light or illumination; bright; well-lighted: the lightest room in the entire house.
25. pale, whitish, or not deep or dark in color: a light blue.
26. (of coffee or tea) containing enough milk or cream to produce a light color.
–verb (used with object)
27. to set burning, as a candle, lamp, fire, match, or cigarette; kindle; ignite.
28. to turn or switch on (an electric light): One flick of the master switch lights all the lamps in the room.
29. to give light to; furnish with light or illumination: The room is lighted by two large chandeliers.
30. to make (an area or object) bright with or as if with light (often fol. by up): Hundreds of candles lighted up the ballroom.
31. to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, esp. with joy, animation, or the like (often fol. by up): A smile lit up her face. Her presence lighted up the room.
32. to guide or conduct with a light: a candle to light you to bed.
–verb (used without object)
33. to take fire or become kindled: The damp wood refused to light.
34. to ignite a cigar, cigarette, or pipe for purposes of smoking (usually fol. by up): He took out a pipe and lighted up before speaking.
35. to become illuminated when switched on: This table lamp won't light.
36. to become bright, as with light or color (often fol. by up): The sky lights up at sunset.
37. to brighten with animation or joy, as the face or eyes (often fol. by up).
—Idioms
38. bring to light, to discover or reveal: The excavations brought to light the remnants of an ancient civilization.
39. come to light, to be discovered or revealed: Some previously undiscovered letters have lately come to light.
40. hide one's light under a bushel, to conceal or suppress one's talents or successes.
41. in a good (or bad) light, under favorable (or unfavorable) circumstances: She worshiped him, but then she'd only seen him in a good light.
42. in (the) light of, taking into account; because of; considering: It was necessary to review the decision in the light of recent developments.
43. light at the end of the tunnel, a prospect of success, relief, or redemption: We haven't solved the problem yet, but we're beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
44. see the light,
a. to come into existence or being.
b. to be made public.
c. to begin to accept or understand a point of view one formerly opposed: Her father was opposed to her attending an out-of-town college, but he finally saw the light.
45. shed or throw light on, to clarify; clear up: His deathbed confession threw light on a mystery of long standing.
Origin:
bef. 900; (n. and adj.) ME; OE lēoht; c. OS lioht, OFris liacht, D, G licht, Goth liuhath (n.); akin to ON ljōs (n.), ljōss (adj.), L lūx (n.), Gk leukós bright, white; (v.) ME lighten, OE līhtan, c. OS liuhtian, OHG liuhten (G leuchten), Goth liuhtjan

Related forms:
lightful, adjective
light⋅ful⋅ly, adverb

light

2  [lahyt] adjective, -er, -est, adverb, -er, -est, noun
–adjective
1. of little weight; not heavy: a light load.
2. of little weight in proportion to bulk; of low specific gravity: a light metal.
3. of less than the usual or average weight: light clothing.
4. weighing less than the proper or standard amount: to be caught using light weights in trade.
5. of small amount, force, intensity, etc.: light trading on the stock market; a light rain; light sleep.
6. using or applying little or slight pressure or force: The child petted the puppy with light, gentle strokes.
7. not distinct; faint: The writing on the page had become light and hard to read.
8. easy to endure, deal with, or perform; not difficult or burdensome: light duties.
9. not very profound or serious; amusing or entertaining: light reading.
10. of little importance or consequence; trivial: The loss of his job was no light matter.
11. easily digested: light food.
12. low in any substance, as sugar, starch, or tars, that is considered harmful or undesirable: light cigarettes.
13. (of alcoholic beverages)
a. not heavy or strong: a light apéritif.
b. (esp. of beer and wine) having fewer calories and usually a lower alcohol content than the standard product.
14. spongy or well-leavened, as cake.
15. (of soil) containing much sand; porous or crumbly.
16. slender or delicate in form or appearance: a light, graceful figure.
17. airy or buoyant in movement: When she dances, she's as light as a feather.
18. nimble or agile: light on one's feet.
19. free from trouble, sorrow, or worry; carefree: a light heart.
20. cheerful; gay: a light laugh.
21. characterized by lack of proper seriousness; frivolous: light conduct.
22. sexually promiscuous; loose.
23. easily swayed; changeable; volatile: a heart light of love; His is a life of a man light of purpose.
24. dizzy; slightly delirious: I get light on one martini.
25. Military. lightly armed or equipped: light cavalry.
26. having little or no cargo, encumbrance, or the like; not burdened: a light freighter drawing little water.
27. adapted by small weight or slight build for small loads or swift movement: The grocer bought a light truck for deliveries.
28. using small-scale machinery primarily for the production of consumer goods: light industry.
29. Nautical. noting any sail of light canvas set only in moderate or calm weather, as a royal, skysail, studdingsail, gaff topsail, or spinnaker.
30. Meteorology. (of wind) having a speed up to 7 mph (3 m/sec). Compare light air, light breeze.
31. Phonetics. (of l-sounds) resembling a front vowel in quality; clear: French l is lighter than English l.
32. Prosody. (of a syllable)
a. unstressed.
b. short.
33. Poker. being in debt to the pot: He's a dollar light.
–adverb
34. lightly: to travel light.
35. with no load or cargo hauled or carried: a locomotive running light to its roundhouse.
–noun
36. a light product, as a beer or cigarette.
—Idiom
37. make light of, to treat as unimportant or trivial: They made light of our hard-won victory.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE lēoht, līht; c. OFris li(u)cht, OS -līht, D licht, G leicht, ON lēttr, Goth leihts

Synonyms:
7. indistinct; faded. 10. trifling, inconsiderable. 19. cheery, happy. 21. flighty.

Antonyms:
1. heavy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Lightest
light 1   (līt)   
n.  

  1. Physics

    1. Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye.

    2. Electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.

    3. A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture: Turn out the lights when you leave.

    4. The illumination derived from a source of light: by the light of the moon.

    5. The particular quantity or quality of such illumination: moved the lamp closer to get better light.

    6. The pathway or route of such illumination to a person: You're standing in his light.

    7. Daylight.

    8. Dawn; daybreak.

    9. Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.

    10. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.

  2. The sensation of perceiving light; brightness: a sudden light that made me blink.

    1. A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture: Turn out the lights when you leave.

    2. The illumination derived from a source of light: by the light of the moon.

    3. The particular quantity or quality of such illumination: moved the lamp closer to get better light.

    4. The pathway or route of such illumination to a person: You're standing in his light.

    5. Daylight.

    6. Dawn; daybreak.

    7. Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.

    8. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.

  4. A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.

    1. Daylight.

    2. Dawn; daybreak.

    3. Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.

    4. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.

  6. Something, such as a window, that admits illumination.

  7. Architecture One of two or more openings in a window divided by a mullion or mullions.

  8. A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter.

  9. Spiritual awareness; illumination.

    1. Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.

    2. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.

  11. Public attention; general knowledge: brought the scandal to light.

  12. A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect: saw the situation in a different light.

  13. Archaic Eyesight.

  14. lights One's individual opinions, choices, or standards: acted according to their own lights.

  15. A person who inspires or is adored by another: My daughter is the light of my life.

  16. A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary: one of the leading lights of the theater.

  17. An expression of the eyes: a strange light in her eyes.

  18. Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.

  19. The representation of light in art.

v.   light·ed or lit (lĭt), light·ing, lights

v.   tr.

  1. To set on fire; ignite or kindle.

  2. To cause to give out light; make luminous: lit a lamp.

  3. To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate: fireworks lighting the sky.

  4. To signal, direct, or guide with or as if with illumination.

  5. To enliven or animate: A smile lit her face.

v.   intr.

  1. To start to burn; be ignited or kindled: Green wood does not light easily.

  2. To emit light; be lighted: Wait until the indicator lights up.

adj.   light·er, light·est

    1. Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.

    2. Of or being an additive primary color.

  2. Characterized by or filled with light; bright: a room that is light when the shutters are open.

  3. Not dark in color; fair: light hair and skin.

  4. Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.

Phrasal Verb(s):
light up

  1. To become or cause to become animated or cheerful.

  2. To start smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.


Idiom(s):
in (the) light ofIn consideration of; in relationship to.

Idiom(s):
light a fire underTo urge or move to action.

Idiom(s):
light at the end of the tunnelThe prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.

[Middle English, from Old English lēoht, līht; see leuk- in Indo-European roots.]
Usage Note: Lighted and lit are equally acceptable as past tense and past participle of light. Both forms are also well established as adjectives: a lighted (or lit) candle.
light 2   (līt)   
adj.   light·er, light·est

    1. Of relatively little weight; not heavy: a light load.

    2. Of relatively little weight for its size or bulk: Balsa is a light wood.

    3. Of less than the correct, standard, or legal weight: a light pound.

    4. Of little quantity; scanty: light snow.

    5. Consuming or using relatively moderate amounts; abstemious: a light eater; a light smoker.

    6. Not harsh or severe: gave the offender a light sentence.

    7. Easily digested: a light supper.

    8. Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened: light pastries.

    9. Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.

    10. Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.

  2. Exerting little force or impact; gentle: a light pat.

  3. Indistinct; faint: light print that I could barely make out.

    1. Of little quantity; scanty: light snow.

    2. Consuming or using relatively moderate amounts; abstemious: a light eater; a light smoker.

    3. Not harsh or severe: gave the offender a light sentence.

    4. Easily digested: a light supper.

    5. Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened: light pastries.

    6. Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.

    7. Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.

  5. Demanding little exertion or effort; not burdensome: light household tasks.

  6. Having little importance; insignificant: light, idle chatter.

  7. Intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound: a light comedy.

  8. Free from worries or troubles; blithe: a light heart.

  9. Characterized by frivolity; silly or trivial.

  10. Liable to change; fickle.

  11. Mildly dizzy or faint: felt light in the head.

  12. Lacking in ethical discrimination.

  13. Moving easily and quickly; nimble: The dancer was light and graceful.

  14. Designed for ease and quickness of movement; having a relatively slim structure and little weight: light aircraft.

  15. Designed to carry relatively little weight: a light truck.

  16. Carrying little equipment or armament: light cavalry; light tanks.

  17. Requiring relatively little equipment and using relatively simple processes to produce consumer goods: light industry.

  18. Easily awakened or disturbed: a light sleeper.

    1. Easily digested: a light supper.

    2. Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened: light pastries.

    3. Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.

    4. Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.

  20. Having a loose, porous consistency: light soil.

  21. Containing a relatively small amount of a potentially harmful ingredient, such as alcohol, fat, or sodium: light beer; light mayonnaise.

  22. Linguistics

    1. Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.

    2. Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.

adv.   lighter, lightest

  1. In a light manner; lightly.

  2. With little weight and few burdens: traveling light.

intr.v.   light·ed or lit (lĭt), light·ing, lights

  1. To get down, as from a vehicle or horse; dismount.

  2. To descend to the ground after flight; land.

  3. To come upon one unexpectedly: Misfortune lighted upon him.

  4. To come upon by chance or accident. Used with on or upon: lit on the perfect solution to the problem.

Phrasal Verb(s):
light into Informal To attack verbally or physically; assail.
light out Informal To leave hastily; run off.

Idiom(s):
go light onTo treat casually or gingerly.

[Middle English, from Old English lēoht, līht; see legwh- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

light

The type of electromagnetic wave that is visible to the human eye. Visible light runs along a spectrum from the short wavelengths of violet to the longer wavelengths of red. (See photon.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Slang Dictionary
light

  1. mod.
    alcohol intoxicated. : I began to feel a little light along about the fourth beer.
  2. n.
    an eye. (Crude. Usually plural.) : You want I should poke your lights out?
  3. n.
    a police car. : A couple of lights turned the corner just as the robbers were pulling away.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

light  (n.)
"brightness," O.E. leht, earlier leoht, from W.Gmc. *leukhtam (cf. O.Fris. liacht, M.Du. lucht, Ger. Licht), from PIE *leuk- "light, brightness" (cf. Skt. rocate "shines;" Arm. lois "light," lusin "moon;" Gk. leukos "bright, shining, white;" L. lucere "to shine," lux "light," lucidus "clear;" O.C.S. luci "light;" Lith. laukas "pale;" Welsh llug "gleam, glimmer;" O.Ir. loche "lightning," luchair "brightness;" Hittite lukezi "is bright"). The -gh- was an Anglo-Fr. scribal attempt to render the O.E. hard -h- sound, which has since disappeared. The fig. spiritual sense was in O.E.; the sense of "mental illumination" is first recorded c.1449. Meaning "something used for igniting" is from 1684. Lighthouse is from 1622; light bulb is from 1884. The verb is from O.E. lyhtan (cf. O.S. liohtian, Ger. leuchten, Goth. liuhtjan).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 2light
Variant: or lite
Function: adjective
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat,or alcohol) than usual <light salad dressing>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

light (līt)
n.

  1. Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye.

  2. Electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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