noun

1. 1. the form of electromagnetic radiation that acts upon the retina of the eye, optic nerve, etc., making sight possible: this energy is transmitted in a vacuum at a velocity of 299,792,458 meters per second (c. 186,000 miles per second)
   2. a form of radiant energy similar to this, but not acting on the normal retina, as ultraviolet and infrared radiation
2. the rate of flow of light radiation with respect to the sense of sight: it is measured in lumens
3. the sensation that light stimulates in the organs of sight
4. brightness; illumination, often of a specified kind the dim light of a candle
5. a source of light, as the sun, a lamp, a light bulb, etc.
6. traffic light
7. the light from the sun; daylight or dawn
8. a thing by means of which something can be started burning a light for a cigar
9. the means by which light is let in; window or windowpane
10. mental illumination; knowledge or information; enlightenment to shed light on the past
11. spiritual inspiration
12. public knowledge or view to bring new facts to light
13. the way in which something is seen; aspect presented in a favorable light
14. facial expression showing a mental or emotional state a light of recognition in his eyes
15. a person whose brilliant record makes him or her an example for others; outstanding figure one of the shining lights of the school
16. 1. the quality suggesting light created in a painting, drawing, etc., esp. in certain areas
    2. such an area

Etymology: ME liht < OE lēoht, akin to Ger licht < IE base *leuk-, to shine, bright > Gr leukos, white, L lux & lumen, light, lucere, to shine, luna, moon, Welsh llug, gleam

adjective

1. having light; not dark; bright
2. pale in color; whitish; fair

Etymology: ME liht < OE leoht

adverb

transitive verb lighted light′ed or lit, lighting light′·ing

1. to set on fire; ignite to light a bonfire
2. to cause to give off light to light a lamp
3. to give light to; furnish with light; illuminate lamps light the streets
4. to brighten; animate
5. to show the way to by giving light a beacon lights the ships to harbor

Etymology: ME lighten < OE lihtan

intransitive verb

1. to catch fire the fuse lighted at once
2. to be lighted; brighten: usually with up

adjective

1. having little weight; not heavy
2. having little weight for its size; of low specific gravity
3. below the usual or defined weight a light coin
4. less than usual or normal in amount, extent, intensity, force, etc.; specif.,
   1. striking or making contact with little force or impact a light blow
   2. of less than the usual quantity or density a light vote, a light rain
   3. not thick, coarse, or massive; delicate and graceful in structure light tracery
   4. not violent or intense; mild a light wind
   5. soft, muted, or muffled a light sound
   6. not prolonged or intense light applause
   7. not deep; easily disturbed a light sleep
5. of little importance; not serious or profound light conversation
6. easy to bear; not burdensome a light tax
7. easy to do; not difficult light housekeeping
8. not burdened with grief or sorrow; happy; buoyant light spirits
9. of a flighty nature; frivolous; capricious
10. loose in morals; wanton
11. dizzy; giddy
12. of an amusing or nonserious nature light reading
13. containing little alcohol light wine
14. containing fewer calories than others of its kind light beer
15. characterized by qualities suggestive of little weight; not dense, hard, full, etc.; specif.,
    1. not as full as usual; moderate a light meal
    2. easy to digest
    3. well leavened; soft and spongy a light cake
    4. loose in consistency; easily crumbled; porous light sand
16. moving with ease and nimbleness light on one's feet
17. able to carry little weight or cargo a light vehicle
18. unstressed or slightly stressed: said of a syllable in phonetics, prosody, etc.
19. designating or of an industry equipped with relatively light machinery and producing relatively small products
20. designating, of, or equipped with weapons, armor, ships, etc. of a relatively small size or light weight
21. Informal
    1. lacking personnel; short-handed
    2. owing (a specified sum) to the pot in poker light fifty cents

Etymology: ME < OE lēoht, akin to Ger leicht, Du licht < IE *lengwhto- < base *legwh-, light in movement and weight > L levis, Gr elaphros

adverb

1. lightly
2. with little luggage, cargo, etc. to travel light

intransitive verb lighted light′ed or lit, lighting light′·ing

1. Now Dial. to get down from a horse or vehicle; dismount; alight
2. to come to rest after traveling through the air ducks lighting on the pond
3. to come or happen (on or upon) by chance
4. to fall or strike suddenly, as a blow

Etymology: ME lihten < OE līhtan: also aphetic for alight