Main Entry: ²il·lu·mi·nate

Pronunciation: \-ˌnāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): il·lu·mi·nat·ed; il·lu·mi·nat·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin illuminatus, past participle of illuminare, from in- + luminare to light up, from lumin-, lumen light — more at luminary

Date: 15th century

1 a : to enlighten spiritually or intellectually b (1) : to supply or brighten with light (2) : to make luminous or shining c archaic : to set alight d : to subject to radiation
2 a : to make clear : elucidate b : to bring to the fore : highlight <a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are>
3 : to make illustrious or resplendent
4 : to decorate (as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures

— il·lu·mi·nat·ing·ly \-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

— il·lu·mi·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun