Definitions for the word "light" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered visible or luminous.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
That which furnishes, or is a source of, light, as the sun, a star, a candle, a lighthouse, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The time during which the light of the sun is visible; day; especially, the dawn of day.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
The brightness of the eye or eyes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
The medium through which light is admitted, as a window, or window pane; a skylight; in architecture, one of the compartments of a window made by a mullion or mullions.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
Life; existence.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
The power of perception by vision.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
That which illumines or makes clear to the mind; mental or spiritual illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; information.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Prosperity; happiness; joy; felicity.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
The manner in which the light strikes upon a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; -- opposed to shade. Cf. Chiaroscuro.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
Appearance due to the particular facts and circumstances presented to view; point of view; as, to state things fairly and put them in the right light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
One who is conspicuous or noteworthy; a model or example; as, the lights of the age or of antiquity.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or colored flame; as, a Bengal light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. superl
Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the apartment is light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. superl
White or whitish; not intense or very marked; not of a deep shade; moderately colored; as, a light color; a light brown; a light complexion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
To set fire to; to cause to burn; to set burning; to ignite; to kindle; as, to light a candle or lamp; to light the gas; -- sometimes with up.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
To give light to; to illuminate; to fill with light; to spread over with light; -- often with up.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. v. i.
To become ignited; to take fire; as, the match will not light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. v. i.
To be illuminated; to receive light; to brighten; -- with up; as, the room lights up very well.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. superl.
Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to the center of gravity with force; not heavy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. superl.
Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. superl.
Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. superl.
Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
26. superl.
Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
27. superl.
Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
28. superl.
Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
29. superl.
Slight; not important; as, a light error.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
30. superl.
Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
31. superl.
Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
32. superl.
Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
33. superl.
Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
34. superl.
Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
35. superl.
Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
36. superl.
Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
37. superl.
Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
38. superl.
Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
39. superl.
Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
40. superl.
Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
41. adv.
Lightly; cheaply.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
42. v. t.
To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
43. v. i.
To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; to alight; -- with from, off, on, upon, at, in.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
44. v. i.
To feel light; to be made happy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
45. v. i.
To descend from flight, and rest, perch, or settle, as a bird or insect.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
46. v. i.
To come down suddenly and forcibly; to fall; -- with on or upon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
47. v. i.
To come by chance; to happen; -- with on or upon; formerly with into.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
48. n.
1 the natural agent (electromagnetic radiation) that stimulates sight and makes things visible. 2 the medium or condition of the space in which this is present (just enough light to see). 3 appearance of brightness (saw a distant light). 4 source of light, e.g. The sun, a lamp, fire, etc. 5 (often in pl.) Traffic-light. 6 a flame or spark serving to ignite. B device producing this. 7 aspect in which a thing is regarded (appeared in a new light). 8 a mental illumination. B spiritual illumination by divine truth. 9 vivacity etc. In a person''s face, esp. In the eyes. 10 eminent person (leading light). 11 bright parts of a picture etc. 12 window or opening in a wall to let light in. v. (past lit; past part. Lit or lighted) (attrib.) 1 set burning; begin to burn. 2 (often foll. By up) provide with light or lighting; make prominent by means of light. 3 show (a person) the way or surroundings with a light. 4 (usu. Foll. By up) (of the face or eyes) brighten with animation, pleasure, etc. adj. 1 well provided with light; not dark. 2 (of a colour) pale (light blue; light-blue ribbon). bring (or come) to light reveal or be revealed. In a good (or bad) light giving a favourable (or unfavourable) impression. In the light of taking account of. Light up 1 colloq. Begin to smoke a cigarette etc. 2 = sense 2 of v. 3 = sense 4 of v. lightish adj. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
49. adj.
1 not heavy. 2 a relatively low in weight, amount, density, intensity, etc. (light arms, traffic, metal, rain). B deficient in weight (light coin). 3 a carrying or suitable for small loads (light railway). B (of a ship) unladen. C carrying only light arms, armaments, etc. 4 (of food) easy to digest. 5 (of entertainment, music, etc.) Intended for amusement only; not profound. 6 (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed. 7 easily borne or done (light duties). 8 nimble; quick-moving (light step; light rhythm). 9 (of a building etc.) Graceful, elegant. 10 a free from sorrow; cheerful (light heart). B giddy (light in the head). adv. 1 in a light manner (tread light; sleep light). 2 with a minimum load (travel light). v. (past and past part. Lit or lighted) (foll. By on, upon) come upon or find by chance. make light of treat as unimportant. lightish adj. Lightly adv. Lightness n. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
50. slang
credit, trust; “to get a LIGHT at a house” is to get credit.
When a man’s credit is stopped, his LIGHT is said to be put out. LIGHT
also means life. “I’ll put your LIGHT out” is a murderous threat.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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Additional Info
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