Definition of light

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