transitive verb illuminated -·nat′ed, illuminating -·nat′·ing

1. 1. to give light to; light up
   2. to brighten; animate
2. 1. to make clear; explain; elucidate
   2. to inform; instruct; enlighten
3. to make illustrious, glorious, or famous
4. to decorate with lights
5. 1. to decorate (an initial letter or word) with designs, tracings, etc. of gold, silver, or bright colors
   2. to decorate (a manuscript, page border, etc.) with such initial letters, miniature pictures, etc.

Etymology: < L illuminatus, pp. of illuminare, to light up < in-, in + luminare, to light < lumen (gen. luminis), a light < IE *leuksmen < base *leuk-: see illustrate

adjective

1. make bright with light
2. enlightened in mind or spirit

noun