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 léoht; 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]
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.
Electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.
A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture: Turn out the lights when you leave.
The illumination derived from a source of light: by the light of the moon.
The particular quantity or quality of such illumination: moved the lamp closer to get better light.
The pathway or route of such illumination to a person: You're standing in his light.
Daylight.
Dawn; daybreak.
Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.
A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.
The sensation of perceiving light; brightness: a sudden light that made me blink.
A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture: Turn out the lights when you leave.
The illumination derived from a source of light: by the light of the moon.
The particular quantity or quality of such illumination: moved the lamp closer to get better light.
The pathway or route of such illumination to a person: You're standing in his light.
Daylight.
Dawn; daybreak.
Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.
A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.
A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.
Daylight.
Dawn; daybreak.
Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.
A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.
Something, such as a window, that admits illumination.
Architecture One of two or more openings in a window divided by a mullion or mullions.
A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter.
Spiritual awareness; illumination.
Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.
A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.
Public attention; general knowledge: brought the scandal to light.
A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect: saw the situation in a different light.
Archaic Eyesight.
lights One's individual opinions, choices, or standards: acted according to their own lights.
A person who inspires or is adored by another: My daughter is the light of my life.
A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary: one of the leading lights of the theater.
An expression of the eyes: a strange light in her eyes.
Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.
The representation of light in art.
v.
light·ed or lit (lĭt), light·ing, lights
v.
tr.
To set on fire; ignite or kindle.
To cause to give out light; make luminous: lit a lamp.
To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate: fireworks lighting the sky.
To signal, direct, or guide with or as if with illumination.
To enliven or animate: A smile lit her face.
v.
intr.
To start to burn; be ignited or kindled: Green wood does not light easily.
To emit light; be lighted: Wait until the indicator lights up.
adj.
light·er, light·est
Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.
Of or being an additive primary color.
Characterized by or filled with light; bright: a room that is light when the shutters are open.
Not dark in color; fair: light hair and skin.
Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.
Phrasal Verb(s): light up
To become or cause to become animated or cheerful.
To start smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
Idiom(s):
in (the) light of
In consideration of; in relationship to.
Idiom(s):
light a fire under
To urge or move to action.
Idiom(s):
light at the end of the tunnel
The 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·er 2Audio Help (lī'tər) Pronunciation Key
n.
A large flatbottom barge, especially one used to deliver or unload goods to or from a cargo ship or transport goods over short distances.
tr.v.
light·ered, light·er·ing, light·ers
To convey (cargo) in a lighter.
[Middle English, perhaps from lighten, to make less heavy, from Old English līhtan; see legwh- in Indo-European roots.]
Light\ (l[imac]t), a. [AS. le['o]ht. See Light, n.] [Compar. Lighter (-[~e]r); superl. Lightest.]1. Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the apartment is light. 2. White or whitish; not intense or very marked; not of a deep shade; moderately colored; as, a light color; a light brown; a light complexion.
Light\, a. [Compar. Lighter (-[~e]r); superl. Lightest.] [OE. light, liht, AS. l[=i]ht, le['o]ht; akin to D. ligt, G. leicht, OHG. l[=i]hti, Icel. l[=e]ttr, Dan. let, Sw. l["a]tt, Goth. leihts, and perh. to L. levis (cf. Levity), Gr. 'elachy`s small, Skr. laghu light. [root]125. ]1. Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to the center of gravity with force; not heavy. These weights did not exert their natural gravity, . . . insomuch that I could not guess which was light or heavy whilst I held them in my hand. --Addison. 2. Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load. Ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. --Matt. xi. 29, 30. 3. Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task. --Chaucer. Light sufferings give us leisure to complain. --Dryden. 4. Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment. 5. Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse. 6. Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift. Unmarried men are best friends, best masters . . . but not always best subjects, for they are light to run away. --Bacon. 7. Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light. 8. Slight; not important; as, a light error. --Shak. 9. Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread. 10. Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors. 11. Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind. 12. Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution. 13. Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind. There is no greater argument of a light and inconsiderate person than profanely to scoff at religion. --Tillotson. 14. Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial. Seneca can not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light. --Shak. Specimens of New England humor laboriously light and lamentably mirthful. --Hawthorne. 15. Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy. Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain ? --Shak. 16. Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered. To a fair semblance doth light faith annex. --Spenser. 17. Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character. A light wife doth make a heavy husband. --Shak. 18. Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin. 19. Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil. Light cavalry, Light horse (Mil.), light-armed soldiers mounted on strong and active horses. Light eater, one who eats but little. Light infantry, infantry soldiers selected and trained for rapid evolutions. Light of foot. (a) Having a light step. (b) Fleet. Light of heart, gay, cheerful. Light oil (Chem.), the oily product, lighter than water, forming the chief part of the first distillate of coal tar, and consisting largely of benzene and toluene. Light sails (Naut.), all the sails above the topsails, with, also, the studding sails and flying jib. --Dana. Light sleeper, one easily wakened. Light weight, a prize fighter, boxer, wrestler, or jockey, who is below a standard medium weight. Cf. Feather weight, under Feather. [Cant] To make light of, to treat as of little consequence; to slight; to disregard. To set light by, to undervalue; to slight; to treat as of no importance; to despise.
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