Pronunciation: - ˌ n ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -nat · ed ; -nat · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin illuminatus, past participle of illuminare, from in- + luminare to light up, from lumin-, lumen light ― more at LUMINARY
Date: 15th century
1 a : to enlighten spiritually or intellectually b (1) : to supply or brighten with light (2) : to make luminous or shining c archaic : to set alight d : to subject to radiation
2 a : to make clear : ELUCIDATE b : to bring to the fore : HIGHLIGHT <a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are>
3 : to make illustrious or resplendent
4 : to decorate (as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
– il · lu · mi · nat · ing · ly \ - ˌ n ā -ti ŋ -l ē \ adverb
– il · lu · mi · na · tor \ - ˌ n ā -t ə r \ noun