• | 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. |