- Main Entry:
- 1light
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈlīt\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German lioht light, Latin luc-, lux light, lucēre to shine, Greek leukos white
- Date:
- before 12th century
1 a: something that makes vision possible b: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors c: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second; specifically : such radiation that is visible to the human eye2 a: daylight b: dawn3: a source of light: as a: a celestial body b: candle c: an electric light 4archaic : sight 4a5 a: spiritual illumination b: inner light c: enlightenment d: truth6 a: public knowledge <facts brought to light> b: a particular aspect or appearance presented to view <saw the matter in a different light>7: a particular illumination8: something that enlightens or informs <shed some light on the problem>9: a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted10plural : a set of principles, standards, or opinions <worship according to one's lights— Adrienne Koch>11: a noteworthy person in a particular place or field <a leading light among current writers>12: a particular expression of the eye13 a: lighthouse, beacon b: traffic light14: the representation of light in art15: a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
—
in the light of 1: from the point of view of2or in light of : in view of <in light of their findings, new procedures were established>
