ˌiləˈstrāshən sometimes ə̇ˌləˈs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English illustracione, from Middle French illustration, from Latin illustration-, illustratio, from illustratus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the action of illustrating or condition of being illustrated
b. obsolete
(1) : intellectual or cultural or spiritual enlightenment
(2) : physical illumination
c. archaic : the action of making or condition of being made illustrious or honored or distinguished
admirably translated by himself in illustration of Shelley — T.L.Peacock
2. : something that serves to illustrate: as
a. : an example or instance that helps make something clear
gave an illustration of what he meant
b. : a picture or drawing or diagram or some other sensory aid that helps make something (as a book, a lecture) clear or more helpful or attractive
Synonyms: see instance