il·lus·trate (ĭl'ə-strāt', ĭ-lŭs'trāt') v.
il·lus·trat·ed, il·lus·trat·ing, il·lus·trates
v.
tr.
To clarify, as by use of examples or comparisons: The editor illustrated the definition with an example sentence.
To clarify by serving as an example or comparison: The example sentence illustrated the meaning of the word.
To provide (a publication) with explanatory or decorative features: illustrated the book with colorful drawings.
Obsolete To illuminate.
v.
intr. To present a clarification, example, or explanation.
[Latin illūstrāre, illūstrāt- : in-, in; see in-2 + lūstrāre, to make bright; see leuk- in Indo-European roots.] il'lus·trat'a·ble adj., il'lus·tra'tor n.
[il-uh-strey-tid] 
əˌstreɪ