light¹ (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.
2. The sensation of perceiving light; brightness: a sudden light that made me blink.
3. 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.
4. A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.
5. 1. Daylight.
   2. Dawn; daybreak.
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.
10. 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. 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:

light up

1. To become or cause to become animated or cheerful.
2. To start smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

idioms:

in (the) light of

1. In consideration of; in relationship to.

light a fire under

1. To urge or move to action.

light at the end of the tunnel

1. The prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.

[Middle English, from Old English lēoht, līht.]

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.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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