illumination

noun

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il·lu·mi·na·tion | \ i-ˌlü-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of illumination

1 : the action of illuminating or state of being illuminated: such as

a : spiritual or intellectual enlightenment

b(1) : a lighting up

(2) : decorative lighting or lighting effects

c : decoration by the art of illuminating

2 : the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting surface at any given point

3 : one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in decorative lighting

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About illumination

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Examples of illumination in a Sentence

When taking photographs indoors, use a flash for illumination. They traveled to the temple in search of spiritual illumination. an old manuscript with beautiful illuminations

Recent Examples on the Web Black Diamond Sport 350 Headlamp for $30 ($10 off) Wear your illumination on your forehead to keep your hands free for setting up a tent in the dark or packing for a pre-dawn departure. — Matt Jancer, Wired, 6 Sep. 2021 The high output, portability, convenient charging, and long runtime can meet all your illumination needs for home, travel, and the great outdoors. — Maren Estrada, BGR, 7 Apr. 2021 Writing doesn’t offer her illumination or solace, but her devotion to the practice speaks to her desire to be seen. — Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2021 Black Diamond Sport 350 Headlamp for $30 ($10 off) Wear your illumination on your forehead to keep your hands free for setting up a tent in the dark or packing for a pre-dawn departure. — Matt Jancer, Wired, 3 Sep. 2021 The moon will reach peak illumination at 8:02 a.m. Eastern time Sunday and appear close to full after dusk that day. — Kristen Rogers, Ashley Strickland And Sarah Molano, CNN, 21 Aug. 2021 The Buck Moon will be visible on Friday night, with peak illumination coming at 10:37 p.m. EDT, according to NASA. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, 22 July 2021 Because red light is readily absorbed by seawater, the Eye uses an ultrasensitive black-and-white camera that amplifies the dim far-red-light illumination and is also sensitive enough to record any bioluminescent creatures swimming within range. — Ferris Jabr, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2010 The moon will reach peak illumination at 10:37 PM Eastern Time. — USA TODAY, 23 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'illumination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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