illuminate

illuminate [i lo͞o′mə nāt΄]

vt.

illuminated, illuminating [< L illuminatus, pp. of illuminare, to light up < in-, in + luminare, to light < lumen (gen. luminis), a light < IE * leuksmen < base * leuk-: see ILLUSTRATE]

1.

a) to give light to; light up

b) to brighten; animate

2.

a) to make clear; explain; elucidate

b) to inform; instruct; enlighten

3. to make illustrious, glorious, or famous

4. to decorate with lights

5.

a) to decorate (an initial letter or word) with designs, tracings, etc. of gold, silver, or bright colors

b) to decorate (a manuscript, page border, etc.) with such initial letters, miniature pictures, etc.

adj.

1. make bright with light

2. enlightened in mind or spirit

n.

Archaic a person who has or claims to have special knowledge

illuminable

adj.