n.
Pronunciation: ' l ī t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English l ē oht; akin to Old High German lioht light, Latin luc-, lux light, luc ē re to shine, Greek leukos white
Date: before 12th century
1 a : something that makes vision possible b : the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors c : electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second specifically : such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2 a : DAYLIGHT b : DAWN
3 : a source of light: as a : a celestial body b : CANDLE c : an electric light
4 archaic : SIGHT 4A
5 a : spiritual illumination b : INNER LIGHT c : ENLIGHTENMENT d : TRUTH
6 a : public knowledge <facts brought to light > b : a particular aspect or appearance presented to view <saw the matter in a different light >
7 : a particular illumination
8 : something that enlightens or informs <shed some light on the problem>
9 : a medium (as a window) through which light is admitted
10 plural : a set of principles, standards, or opinions <worship according to one's light s ― Adrienne Koch>
11 : a noteworthy person in a particular place or field <a leading light among current writers>
12 : a particular expression of the eye
13 a : LIGHTHOUSE , BEACON b : TRAFFIC LIGHT
14 : the representation of light in art
15 : a flame for lighting something (as a cigarette)
– in the light of
1 : from the point of view of
2 or in light of : in view of < in light of their findings, new procedures were established>