light

I

[[t]laɪt[/t]]

n. adj. light•er, light•est,

1) something that makes things visible or affords illumination:

All colors depend on light[/ex]

2) phs

a) electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nanometers and propagated at a speed of 186,282 miles per second (299,972 km/sec)

b) phs electromagnetic radiation just beyond either end of the visible spectrum; ultraviolet or infrared radiation

3) the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight

4) an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon

5) the radiance or illumination from a particular source, as a candle or the sun

6) the illumination from the sun; daylight, daybreak, or dawn

7) daytime

8) a particular light or illumination in which an object seen takes on a certain appearance:

viewing the portrait in dim light[/ex]

9) a device for or means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match

10) a traffic light

11) the aspect in which a thing appears or is regarded:

Try to look at the situation in a better light[/ex]

12) fia Art.

a) the effect of light falling on an object or scene as represented in a picture

b) one of the brightest parts of a picture

13) a gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes

14) a measure or supply of light; illumination

15) spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment

16) archit. a window, or a pane or compartment of a window

17) mental insight; understanding

18) lights, the information, ideas, or mental capacities possessed:

to act according to one's lights[/ex]

19) naut. navig. a lighthouse

20) having light or illumination; bright; well-lighted

21) pale, whitish, or not deep or dark in color:

a light blue[/ex]

22) cvb (of coffee or tea) containing enough milk or cream to produce a light color

23) to set burning, as a candle, lamp, fire, match, or cigarette; kindle; ignite

24) to turn or switch on (an electric light):

to light the lamp[/ex]

25) to give light to; furnish with light or illumination:

to light a room[/ex]

26) to make (an area or object) bright with or as if with light (often fol. by up)

27) to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, esp. with joy, animation, or the like (often fol. by up):

A smile lit up her face[/ex]

28) to guide or conduct with a light

29) to take fire or become kindled

30) to ignite a cigar, cigarette, or pipe for purposes of smoking (usu. fol. by up)

31) cvb to become illuminated when switched on:

This table lamp won't light[/ex]

32) to become bright, as with light or color (often fol. by up):

The sky lights up at sunrise[/ex]

33) to brighten with animation or joy, as the face or eyes (often fol. by up)

•

- bring to light come to light in (the) light of see the light

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE lēoht (n.), c. OOHG lioht II

light

[[t]laɪt[/t]] adj. and adv. -er, -est

1) of little weight; not heavy:

a light load[/ex]

2) of little weight in proportion to bulk; of low specific gravity:

a light metal[/ex]

3) of less than the usual or average weight:

light clothing[/ex]

4) weighing less than the proper or standard amount

5) of small amount, force, intensity, etc.:

a light rain; light sleep[/ex]

6) using or applying little or slight pressure or force

7) not distinct; faint

8) easy to endure, deal with, or perform; not difficult or burdensome:

light duties[/ex]

9) not very profound or serious; amusing or entertaining:

light reading[/ex]

10) of little importance or consequence; trivial:

The loss of a job is no light matter[/ex]

11) easily digested:

light food[/ex]

12) not rich or heavy:

a light snack[/ex]

13) vin (of alcoholic beverages)

a) not heavy or strong:

a light apéritif[/ex]

b) (esp. of beer and wine) having fewer calories and usu. a lower alcohol content than the standard product

14) coo spongy or well-leavened, as cake

15) (of soil) containing much sand; porous or crumbly

16) slender or delicate in form or appearance

17) airy or buoyant in movement; nimble or agile:

light on one's feet[/ex]

18) free from trouble, sorrow, or worry; cheerful; carefree:

a light heart[/ex]

19) characterized by lack of proper seriousness; frivolous

20) sexually promiscuous; loose

21) easily swayed; changeable; volatile

22) dizzy; slightly delirious

23) mil (of soldiers) lightly armed or equipped:

light cavalry[/ex]

24) having little or no cargo, encumbrance, or the like; not burdened:

a light freighter[/ex]

25) adapted by small weight or slight build for small loads or swift movement:

a light truck[/ex]

26) cvb using small-scale machinery primarily for the production of consumer goods:

light industry[/ex]

27) pro (of a syllable)

a) unstressed

b) short

28) without much or extra baggage:

to travel light[/ex]

29) lightly

•

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE lēoht, līht, c. OS līht-, OHG līht, ON lēttr, Go leihts III

light

[[t]laɪt[/t]] v. i. light•ed or lit, light•ing

1) to get down or descend, as from a horse or a vehicle

2) to come to rest, as on a spot or thing; fall or settle upon; land:

The bird lighted on the branch[/ex]

3) to come by chance; happen; hit (usu. fol. by on or upon):

to light on a clue[/ex]

4) to settle on a place or person:

The choice lighted upon our candidate[/ex]

5) phv+inf light into, to attack physically or verbally

6) phv+sts light out, Informal. to depart quickly

•

Etymology: bef. 900; ME lihten, OE līhtan to make light, relieve of a weight; see light II