Main Entry:

il·lus·tra·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˌi-ləs-ˈtrā-shən also i-ˌləs-\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1 a: the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated barchaic : the action of making illustrious or honored or distinguished2: something that serves to illustrate: as a: an example or instance that helps make something clear b: a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

synonyms see instance

— il·lus·tra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective