light

⁴light

adj

Definition of LIGHT

1

a : having little weight : not heavy b : designed to carry a comparatively small load <a light truck> c : having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk <aluminum is a light metal> d : containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight <a light coin>

2

a : of little importance : trivial b : not abundant <light rain> <a light lunch>

3

a : easily disturbed <a light sleeper> b : exerting a minimum of force or pressure : gentle <a light touch> c : resulting from a very slight pressure : faint <light print>

4

a : easily endurable <a light illness> b : requiring little effort <light work>

5

: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly <light on his feet>

6

a : frivolous 1a <light conduct> b : lacking in stability : changeable <light opinions> c : sexually promiscuous

7

: free from care : cheerful

8

: less powerful but usually more mobile than usual for its kind <light cavalry> <a light cruiser>

9

a : made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual b : having a relatively mild flavor

10

a : easily digested <a light soup> b : well leavened <a light crust>

11

: coarse and sandy or easily pulverized <light soil>

12

: dizzy, giddy <felt light in the head>

13

: intended chiefly to entertain <light verse> <light comedy>

14

a : carrying little or no cargo <the ship returned light> b : producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer <light industry>

15

: not bearing a stress or accent <a light syllable>

16

: having a clear soft quality <a light voice>

17

: being in debt to the pot in a poker game <three chips light>

18

: short 5d <light on experience>

19

: casual, occasional <a light smoker>

— light·ish \ˈlī-tish\ adjective

Origin of LIGHT

Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German līhti light, Latin levis, Greek elachys small

First Known Use: before 12th century