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 that travels 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 eye
2 a : daylight b : dawn
3 : a source of light: as a : a celestial body b : candle c : an electric light
4 archaic : sight 4a
5 a : spiritual illumination b : inner light c : enlightenment d : truth
6 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 illumination
8 : something that enlightens or informs <shed some light on the problem>
9 : a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
10 plural : 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 eye
13 a : lighthouse, beacon b : traffic light
14 : the representation of light in art
15 : a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)

— in the light of 1 : from the point of view of
2or in light of : in view of <in light of their findings, new procedures were established>