| light |
noun |
That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered visible or luminous., That which furnishes, or is a source of, light, as the sun, a star, a candle, a lighthouse, etc., The time during which the light of the sun is visible; day; especially, the dawn of day., The brightness of the eye or eyes., 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., Life; existence., Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity., The power of perception by vision., That which illumines or makes clear to the mind; mental or spiritual illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; information., Prosperity; happiness; joy; felicity., 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., 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., One who is conspicuous or noteworthy; a model or example; as, the lights of the age or of antiquity., A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or colored flame; as, a Bengal light., Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the apartment is light., 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., 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., To give light to; to illuminate; to fill with light; to spread over with light; — often with up., To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light., To become ignited; to take fire; as, the match will not light., To be illuminated; to receive light; to brighten; — with up; as, the room lights up very well., Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to the center of gravity with force; not heavy., Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load., Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task., Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment., Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse., Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift., Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light., Slight; not important; as, a light error., Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread., Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors., Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind., Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution., Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind., Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial., Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy., Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered., Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character., Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin., Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil., Lightly; cheaply., To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off., To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; to alight; — with from, off, on, upon, at, in., To feel light; to be made happy., To descend from flight, and rest, perch, or settle, as a bird or insect., To come down suddenly and forcibly; to fall; — with on or upon., To come by chance; to happen; — with on or upon; formerly with into. |