/il'euh stray"sheuhn/ , n.
1. something that illustrates, as a picture in a book or magazine.
2. a comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.
3. the act or process of illuminating.
4. the act of clarifying or explaining; elucidation.
5. Archaic. illustriousness; distinction.
[ 1325-75; ME illustration- (s. of illustratio ) the act of making vivid, illustrating. See ILLUSTRATE, -ION ]
Syn. 2. explication. See case 1 .