light 1 (l?t)n.1. Physics a. Electromagnetic radiation that is visible, perceivable by the normal human eye as colors between red and violet, having frequencies between 400 terahertz and 790 terahertz and wavelengths between 750 nanometers and 380 nanometers. Also called visible light.b. Electromagnetic radiation of any frequency or wavelength.2. The sensation of perceiving light; brightness: a sudden light that made me blink.3. a. A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture: Turn out the lights when you leave.b. The illumination derived from a source of light: by the light of the moon.c. The particular quantity or quality of such illumination: moved the lamp closer to get better light.d. The pathway or route of such illumination to a person: You’re standing in his light.4. a. A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter.b. A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.5. a. Daylight.b. Dawn; daybreak.6. Something, such as a window, that admits illumination.7. Architecture One of two or more openings in a window divided by a mullion or mullions.8. Something that provides information or clarification: research that produced little new light on the question.9. a. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience.b. Public attention; general knowledge: brought the scandal to light.c. Spiritual awareness; illumination.10. A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect: saw the situation in a different light.11. Archaic Eyesight.12. lights One’s individual opinions, choices, or standards: acted according to their own lights.13. A person who inspires or is adored by another: My daughter is the light of my life.14. A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary: one of the leading lights of the theater.15. An expression of the eyes: a strange light in her eyes.16. lights Pieces of laundry that are not dark in color.17. Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.v. light·ed or lit (l?t), light·ing, lights v.tr.1. To set on fire; ignite or kindle: lit the kindling.2. To cause to give out light; make luminous: lit a lamp.3. To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate: fireworks lighting the sky.4. To signal, direct, or guide with light: “You’d … set the lamp in the dormer window to light him home through the storm” (Edith Nesbit).5. To enliven or animate: A smile lit her face.v.intr.1. To start to burn; be ignited or kindled: Green wood does not light easily.2. To emit light; be lighted: Wait until the indicator lights up.adj. light·er, light·est 1. a. Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.b. Of or being an additive primary color.2. Characterized by or filled with light; bright: a room that is light when the shutters are open.3. Not dark in color; fair: light hair and skin.4. Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.Phrasal Verb: light up1. To become or cause to become animated or cheerful.2. To start smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.Idioms: cast/shed/throw light on To provide information about or clarify (something). in (the) light of In consideration of; in relationship to. light a fire under To urge or move to action. light at the end of the tunnel The prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.[Middle English, from Old English l?oht, l?ht; see leuk- in Indo-European roots.]Usage Note: Lighted and lit are equally acceptable as past tense and past participle of light. Both forms are also well established as adjectives: a lighted (or lit) candle.light 2 (l?t)adj. light·er, light·est 1. a. Of relatively little weight; not heavy: a light load.b. Of relatively little weight for its size or bulk: Balsa is a light wood.c. Of less than the correct, standard, or legal weight: a light pound.2. a. Designed for ease and quickness of movement; having a structure that is slim and has little weight for its type or class: light aircraft.b. Designed to carry relatively little weight: light trucks.c. Carrying little equipment or armament: light cavalry.d. Requiring relatively little equipment and using relatively simple processes to produce consumer goods: light industry.3. Exerting little force or impact; gentle: a light pat.4. Indistinct; faint: light print that I could barely make out.5. a. Low in quantity or intensity: light traffic; light snow.b. Consuming or using relatively moderate amounts; abstemious: a light eater; a light smoker.c. Not harsh or severe: gave the offender a light sentence.6. Moving easily and quickly; nimble: You’re very light on your feet.7. a. Easy to perform or accomplish; requiring little effort: light chores.b. Easy to bear or endure: a light tax.8. a. Having little importance; insignificant: light conversation.b. Intended primarily as entertainment and lacking serious or weighty content: a light comedy.c. Not solemn or serious: spoke in a light manner of the situation.d. Free from worries or troubles; blithe: a light heart.9. Mildly dizzy or faint: felt light in the head.10. Easily awakened or disturbed: a light sleeper.11. a. Easily digested: a light supper.b. Containing a relatively small amount of a potentially harmful ingredient, such as alcohol, fat, or sodium: light beer; light mayonnaise.12. a. Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened: light pastries.b. Having a loose, porous consistency: light soil.13. Linguistics a. Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.b. Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.adv. lighter, lightest 1. In a light manner; lightly.2. With little weight and few burdens: traveling light.intr.v. light·ed or lit (l?t), light·ing, lights 1. To get down, as from a vehicle or horse; dismount.2. To descend to the ground after flight; land.3. To come upon one unexpectedly: Misfortune lighted upon him.4. To come upon by chance or accident. Used with on or upon: lit on the perfect solution to the problem.Phrasal Verbs: light into Informal To attack verbally or physically; assail. light out Informal To leave hastily; run off.Idiom: go light on1. To use, acquire, or consume in small or moderate amounts: go light on the garlic.2. To treat leniently.[Middle English, from Old English l?oht, l?ht; see legwh- in Indo-European roots.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.light (la?t) n1. the medium of illumination that makes sight possible2. (General Physics) Also called: visible radiation electromagnetic radiation that is capable of causing a visual sensation and has wavelengths from about 380 to about 780 nanometres3. (not in technical usage) electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength outside this range, esp ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet light. 4. the sensation experienced when electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum falls on the retina of the eye. 5. anything that illuminates, such as a lamp or candle6. See traffic light7. a particular quality or type of light: a good light for reading. 8. a. illumination from the sun during the day; daylightb. the time this appears; daybreak; dawn9. anything that allows the entrance of light, such as a window or compartment of a window10. the condition of being visible or known (esp in the phrases bring or come to light)11. an aspect or view: he saw it in a different light. 12. mental understanding or spiritual insight13. a person considered to be an authority or leader14. brightness of countenance, esp a sparkle in the eyes15. a. the act of igniting or kindling something, such as a cigaretteb. something that ignites or kindles, esp in a specified manner, such as a spark or flamec. something used for igniting or kindling, such as a match16. See lighthouse17. a. the effect of illumination on objects or scenes, as created in a pictureb. an area of brightness in a picture, as opposed to shade18. a poetic or archaic word for eyesight19. the answer to a clue in a crossword20. in light of in the light of in view of; taking into account; considering21. light at the end of the tunnel hope for the ending of a difficult or unpleasant situation22. out like a light quickly asleep or unconscious23. see the light a. to gain sudden insight into or understanding of somethingb. to experience a religious conversion24. see the light see the light of day a. to come into beingb. to come to public notice25. shed light on throw light on to clarify or supply additional information on26. stand in a person’s light to stand so as to obscure a person’s vision27. strike a light a. (verb) to ignite something, esp a match, by frictionb. (interjection) Brit an exclamation of surpriseadj28. full of light; well-lighted29. (of a colour) reflecting or transmitting a large amount of light: light yellow. Compare medium2, dark230. (Phonetics & Phonology) phonetics relating to or denoting an (l) pronounced with front vowel resonance; clear: the French “l” is much lighter than that of English. See dark9vb, lights, lighting, lighted or lit (l?t) 31. to ignite or cause to ignite32. (often foll by up) to illuminate or cause to illuminate33. to make or become cheerful or animated34. (tr) to guide or lead by light[Old English l?oht; related to Old High German lioht, Gothic liuhath, Latin lux] ?lightish adj ?lightless adjlight (la?t) adj1. not heavy; weighing relatively little2. (General Physics) having relatively low density: magnesium is a light metal. 3. lacking sufficient weight; not agreeing with standard or official weights4. not great in degree, intensity, or number: light rain; a light eater. 5. without burdens, difficulties, or problems; easily borne or done: a light heart; light work. 6. graceful, agile, or deft: light fingers. 7. not bulky or clumsy8. not serious or profound; entertaining: light verse. 9. without importance or consequence; insignificant: no light matter. 10. frivolous or capricious11. loose in morals12. dizzy or unclear: a light head. 13. (of bread, cake, etc) spongy or well leavened14. easily digested: a light meal. 15. (Brewing) relatively low in alcoholic content: a light wine. 16. (Agriculture) (of a soil) having a crumbly texture17. (of a vessel, lorry, etc)a. designed to carry light loadsb. not loaded18. (Military) carrying light arms or equipment: light infantry. 19. (Commerce) (of an industry) engaged in the production of small consumer goods using light machinery. Compare heavy1020. (Aeronautics) aeronautics (of an aircraft) having a maximum take-off weight less than 5670 kilograms (12 500 pounds)21. (Chemistry) chem (of an oil fraction obtained from coal tar) having a boiling range between about 100° and 210°C22. (Railways) (of a railway) having a narrow gauge, or in some cases a standard gauge with speed or load restrictions not applied to a main line23. (Bridge) bridge a. (of a bid) made on insufficient valuesb. (of a player) having failed to take sufficient tricks to make his contract24. (Phonetics & Phonology) phonetics prosody (of a syllable, vowel, etc) unaccented or weakly stressed; short. Compare heavy13 See also light13025. (Phonetics & Phonology) phonetics the least of three levels of stress in an utterance, in such languages as English26. light on informal lacking a sufficient quantity of (something)27. make light of to treat as insignificant or triflingadv28. a less common word for lightly29. with little equipment, baggage, etc: to travel light. vb (intr) , lights, lighting, lighted or lit (l?t) 30. (esp of birds) to settle or land after flight31. to get down from a horse, vehicle, etc32. (foll by: on or upon) to come upon unexpectedly33. to strike or fall on: the choice lighted on me. [Old English l?oht; related to Dutch licht, Gothic leihts] ?lightish adj ?lightly adv ?lightness nLight (la?t) n1. (Ecclesiastical Terms) God regarded as a source of illuminating grace and strength2. (Christian Churches, other) Quakerism short for Inner LightCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014light1 (la?t) n., adj. light?er, light?est, n. 1. something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colors depend on light. 2. a. electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nanometers and propagated at a speed of 186,282 miles per second (299,972 km/sec). b. electromagnetic radiation just beyond either end of the visible spectrum; ultraviolet or infrared radiation. 3. the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight. 4. an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon. 5. the radiance or illumination from a particular source, as a candle or the sun. 6. the illumination from the sun; daylight, daybreak, or dawn. 7. daytime. 8. a particular light or illumination in which an object seen takes on a certain appearance: viewing the portrait in dim light. 9. a device for or means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match. 10. a traffic light. 11. the aspect in which a thing appears or is regarded: Try to look at the situation in a better light. 12. Art. a. the effect of light falling on an object or scene as represented in a picture. b. one of the brightest parts of a picture. 13. a gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes. 14. a measure or supply of light; illumination. 15. spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment. 16. a window, or a pane or compartment of a window. 17. mental insight; understanding. 18. lights, the information, ideas, or mental capacities possessed: to act according to one’s lights. 19. a lighthouse. adj. 20. having light or illumination; bright; well-lighted. 21. pale, whitish, or not deep or dark in color: a light blue. 22. (of coffee or tea) containing enough milk or cream to produce a light color. v.t. 23. to set burning, as a candle, lamp, fire, match, or cigarette; kindle; ignite. 24. to turn or switch on (an electric light): to light the lamp. 25. to give light to; furnish with light or illumination: to light a room. 26. to make (an area or object) bright with or as if with light (often fol. by up). 27. to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, esp. with joy, animation, or the like (often fol. by up): A smile lit up her face. 28. to guide or conduct with a light. v.i. 29. to take fire or become kindled. 30. to ignite a cigar, cigarette, or pipe for purposes of smoking (usu. fol. by up). 31. to become illuminated when switched on: This table lamp won’t light. 32. to become bright, as with light or color (often fol. by up): The sky lights up at sunrise. 33. to brighten with animation or joy, as the face or eyes (often fol. by up). Idioms: 1. bring to light, to discover or reveal. 2. come to light, to be discovered or revealed. 3. in (the) light of, taking into account; because of; considering. 4. see the light, a. to come into existence or prominence. b. to understand something at last. [before 900; Middle English; Old English l?oht (n.), c. Old Saxon, Old High German lioht] light2 (la?t) adj.andadv. -er, -est. adj. 1. of little weight; not heavy: a light load. 2. of little weight in proportion to bulk; of low specific gravity: a light metal. 3. of less than the usual or average weight: light clothing. 4. weighing less than the proper or standard amount. 5. of small amount, force, intensity, etc.: a light rain; light sleep. 6. using or applying little or slight pressure or force. 7. not distinct; faint. 8. easy to endure, deal with, or perform; not difficult or burdensome: light duties. 9. not very profound or serious; amusing or entertaining: light reading. 10. of little importance or consequence; trivial: The loss of a job is no light matter. 11. easily digested: light food. 12. not rich or heavy: a light snack. 13. (of alcoholic beverages) a. not heavy or strong: a light apéritif. b. (esp. of beer and wine) having fewer calories and usu. a lower alcohol content than the standard product. 14. spongy or well-leavened, as cake. 15. (of soil) containing much sand; porous or crumbly. 16. slender or delicate in form or appearance. 17. airy or buoyant in movement; nimble or agile: light on one’s feet. 18. free from trouble, sorrow, or worry; cheerful; carefree: a light heart. 19. characterized by lack of proper seriousness; frivolous. 20. sexually promiscuous; loose. 21. easily swayed; changeable; volatile. 22. dizzy; slightly delirious. 23. (of soldiers) lightly armed or equipped: light cavalry. 24. having little or no cargo, encumbrance, or the like; not burdened: a light freighter. 25. adapted by small weight or slight build for small loads or swift movement: a light truck. 26. using small-scale machinery primarily for the production of consumer goods: light industry. 27. (of a syllable) a. unstressed. b. short. adv. 28. without much or extra baggage: to travel light. 29. lightly. [before 900; Middle English; Old English l?oht, l?ht, c. Old Saxon l?ht-, Old High German l?ht, Old Norse l?ttr, Gothic leihts] light3 (la?t) v.i. light?ed or lit, light?ing. 1. to get down or descend, as from a horse or a vehicle. 2. to come to rest, as on a spot or thing; fall or settle upon; land: The bird lighted on the branch. 3. to come by chance; happen; hit (usu. fol. by on or upon): to light on a clue. 4. to settle on a place or person: The choice lighted upon our candidate. 5. light into, to attack physically or verbally. 6. light out, Informal. to depart quickly. [before 900; Middle English lihten, Old English l?htan to make light, relieve of a weight; see light2] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.light (l?t)1. A form of electromagnetic energy that can be perceived by the human eye. It is made up of electromagnetic waves that travel at a speed of about 186,282 miles (299,728 kilometers) per second.2. Electromagnetic energy that cannot be perceived by the human eye, as infrared light and ultraviolet light. See Note at electromagnetic radiation.The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.LightSee also darkness; sun actinologythe study of the chemical effects of light in the violet and ultraviolet wavelengths. ? actinologic, actinological, adj.actinometrythe measurement of the heating power of light in the violet and ultraviolet range. ? actinometrist, n. ? actinometric, actinometrical, adj.albedothe ratio between the light reflected from a surf ace and the total light falling upon that surf ace, as the albedo of the moon.birefringencedouble refraction; the separation of light into two unequally refracted, polarized rays, as by some crystals. ? birefringent, adj.catadioptricsthe study of the reflection and refraction of light. ? catadioptric, catadioptrical, adj.catoptricsthe study of light reflection. ? catoptric, catoptrical, adj. ? catoptrically, adv.chatoyancythe condition or quality of changing in color or luster depending on the angle of light, especially of a gemstone that reflects a single shaft of light when cut in cabochon form. ? chatoyant, adj.dichroisma property, peculiar to certain crystals, of reflecting light in two different colors when viewed from two different directions. ? dichroic, adj.dioptricsthe study of light refraction. ? dioptric, adj.iridescencethe state or condition of being colored like a rainbow or like the light shining through a prism. ? iridescent, adj.iriscopea polished black glass, the surface of which becomes iridescent when it is breathed upon through a tube.levorotationrotation toward the left; counterclockwise rotation, a characteristic of the plane of polarization of light. ? levorotatory, adj.lithophanythe process of impressing porcelain objects, as lamp bases, with figures that become translucent when light is placed within or behind them. ? lithophanic, adj.noctilucaany thing or creature that shines or glows in the dark, especially a phosphorescent or bioluminescent marine or other organism. ? noctilucine, adj.optiesthe study of the properties of light. Also called photology. ? optic, optical, adj.pharologythe study of signal lights, especially lighthouses.phengophobiaan abnormal fear of daylight.photalgiapain in the eyes caused by light.photangiophobiaan abnormal fear of photalgia.photicsthe study of light.photodrome1. an apparatus that regulates light flashes so that a rotating object appears to be stationary or moving in a direction opposite to its actual motion.2. an apparatus for producing unusual optical effects by flashing light upon disks bearing various figures, patterns, etc.photodynamicsthe science or study of light in relation to the movement of plants. ? photodynamic, photodynamical, adj.photographythe process or art of creating and recording images of people, objects, and phenomena, essentially by means of reflected light or emanating radiation. ? photographer, n. ? photographic, photographical, adj.photokinesismovement of bodies, organisms, etc., in response to the stimulus of light. ? photokinetic, adj.photologyoptics.photolysisthe breakdown of matter or materials under the influence of light. ? photolytic, adj.photomaniaan abnormal love of light.photometrythe measurement of the intensity of light. ? photometrician, photometrist, n. ? photometric, adj.photopathya pathologic effect produced by light. ? photopathic, adj.photophilythe tendency to thrive in strong light, as plants. ? photophilic, adj.photophobia1. an abnormal fear of light.2. Also called photodysphoria. a painful sensitivity to light, especially visually.3. a tendency to thrive in reduced light, as certain plants.photosynthesisthe synthesis of complex organic substances from carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts, with sunlight as the energy source and a catalyst such as chlorophyll. ? photosynthetic, adj.phototaxis, phototaxythe movement of an organism away from or toward a source of light. ? phototactic, adj.phototherapy, phototherapeuticsthe treatment of disease, especially diseases of the skin, with light rays. ? phototherapeutic, adj.phototropismmotion in a particular direction under the stimulus of light, as manifested by certain plants, organisms, etc. ? phototropic, adj.polarimetrythe measurement of the polarization of light, as with a polarimeter.selaphobiaan abnormal fear or dislike of flashes of light.spectrograma photograph of a spectrum. Also called spectrograph.spectrograph1. an optical device for breaking light down into a spectrum and recording the results photographically.2. spectrogram. ? spectrographic, adj.spectrographythe technique of using a spectrograph and producing spectrograms.triboluminescencea form of Iuminescence created by friction. ? triboluminescent, adj.-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.lightIf you light something such as a cigarette or candle, you make it start burning. The past tense and -ed participle of light is either lit or lighted. Lit is more common.You can say that a street, building, or room is lit or is lighted by a particular kind of light, for example electricity.For both meanings of light, you use lighted, not ‘lit’, in front of a noun.However, after an adverb you use lit.