light

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German lioht light, Latin luc-, lux light, lucēre 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 lights — 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) II. adjective Date: before 12th century 1. having light ; bright <

a light airy room

> 2. a. not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring ; pale b. of colors medium in saturation and high in lightness <

light blue

> 3. of coffee served with extra milk or cream III. verb (lit or lighted; lighting) Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. to become light ; brighten — usually used with up <

her face lit up

> 2. to take fire 3. to ignite something (as a cigarette) — often used with up transitive verb 1. to set fire to 2. a. to conduct with a light ; guide b. illuminate <

rockets light up the sky

> c. animate, brighten <

a smile lit up her face

> IV. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lēoht; akin to Old High German līhti light, Latin levis, Greek elachys small Date: before 12th century 1. a. having little weight ; not heavy b. designed to carry a comparatively small load <

a light truck

> c. having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk <

aluminum is a light metal

> d. containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight <

a light coin

> 2. a. of little importance ; trivial b. not abundant <

light rain

> <

a light lunch

> 3. a. easily disturbed <

a light sleeper

> b. exerting a minimum of force or pressure ; gentle <

a light touch

> c. resulting from a very slight pressure ; faint <

light print

> 4. a. easily endurable <

a light illness

> b. requiring little effort <

light work

> 5. capable of moving swiftly or nimbly <

light on his feet

> 6. a. frivolous 1a <

light conduct

> b. lacking in stability ; changeable <

light opinions

> c. sexually promiscuous 7. free from care ; cheerful 8. less powerful but usually more mobile than usual for its kind <

light cavalry

> <

a light cruiser

> 9. a. made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual <

light beer

> <

light salad dressing

> b. having a relatively mild flavor 10. a. easily digested <

a light soup

> b. well leavened <

a light crust

> 11. coarse and sandy or easily pulverized <

light soil

> 12. dizzy, giddy <

felt light in the head

> 13. intended chiefly to entertain <

light verse

> <

light comedy

> 14. a. carrying little or no cargo <

the ship returned light

> b. producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer <

light industry

> 15. not bearing a stress or accent <

a light syllable

> 16. having a clear soft quality <

a light voice

> 17. being in debt to the pot in a poker game <

three chips light

> 18. short 5d <

light on experience

> 19. casual, occasional <

a light smoker

> Synonyms: see easy • lightish adjective V. adverb Date: before 12th century 1. lightly 2. with little baggage <

travel light

> VI. intransitive verb (lit or lighted; lighting) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English līhtan; akin to Old English lēoht light in weight Date: before 12th century 1. dismount 2. settle, alight <

a bird lit on the lawn

> 3. to fall unexpectedly — usually used with on or upon 4. to arrive by chance ; happen — usually used with on or upon <

lit upon a solution

>