light1
n.
- the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; electromagnetic radiation from about 390 to 740 nm in wavelength.
▸a source of illumination.
▸
(lights)
traffic lights.
▸Law the light falling on windows, the obstruction of which by a neighbour is illegal.
- an expression in someone's eyes.
▸understanding; enlightenment:
light dawned in her eyes.
▸
(lights)
a person's opinions, standards, and abilities.
- an area that is brighter or paler than its surroundings.
- a device producing a flame or spark.
- a window or opening to let light in.
▸a perpendicular division of a mullioned window.
▸a pane of glass in a greenhouse or cold frame.
- a person eminent in a particular sphere.
v.
(past lit; past part. lit or lighted)
- provide with light.
▸
(light up)
become illuminated.
▸
(light up)
(of the face or eyes) suddenly display liveliness or joy.
- ignite or be ignited.
▸
(light something up)
ignite a cigarette, cigar, or pipe and begin to smoke it.
adj.
- having a considerable or sufficient amount of light.
- (of a colour) pale.
Phrase
Derivative
- lightish adj.
- lightless adj.
- lightness n.
Etymology
OE lēoht, līht (n. and adj.), līhtan (v.), of Gmc origin.
light2
adj.
- of little weight.
▸deficient in weight.
▸carrying or suitable for small loads.
▸carrying only light armaments.
▸(of a vehicle, ship, etc.) unladen or with less than a full load.
▸(of soil) friable, porous, and workable.
- not strongly or heavily built.
- relatively low in density, amount, or intensity:
light autumn rains.
▸(of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest.
▸low in fat, cholesterol, sugar, or alcohol.
- gentle or delicate.
▸(of type) having thin strokes.
- not profound or serious.
▸free from worry:
I left with a light heart.
▸easily borne or done:
some light housework.
- (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed.
- Physics containing atoms of an isotope of relatively low mass.
- archaic (of a woman) promiscuous.
Phrase
- be light on
be rather short of. - make light of
treat as unimportant. - make light work of
accomplish quickly and easily. - travel light
travel with little luggage.
Derivative
- lightish adj.
- lightly adv.
- lightness n.
Etymology
OE lēocht, līht (n.), lēohte (adv.), of Gmc origin.
light3
v.
(past and past part. lit or lighted)
-
(light on/upon)
come upon or discover by chance.
- archaic descend.
▸
(light on)
fall or land on.
-
(light into)
N. Amer. informal criticize severely; attack.
-
(light out)
N. Amer. informal depart hurriedly.
Etymology
OE līhtan, from light2; cf. alight1.