Definition of "light" in Anglais

noun

(physics, uncountable) Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range visible to the human eye (about 400–750 nanometers): visible light.
- As you can see, this spacious dining-room gets a lot of light in the mornings.
- When the studio light is on, I am recording my evening show.
(by extension) Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range visible to the human eye or in nearby ranges (infrared or ultraviolet radiation).
- black light
(by extension, less commonly) Electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.
(countable) A source of illumination.
- Put that light out!
(figurative) Spiritual or mental illumination; enlightenment, useful information.
- Can you throw any light on this problem?
(in the plural, now rare) Facts; pieces of information; ideas, concepts.
A notable person within a specific field or discipline.
- Picasso was one of the leading lights of the cubist movement.
(painting) The manner in which the light strikes 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.
A point of view, or aspect from which a concept, person or thing is regarded.
- I'm really seeing you in a different light today.
- Magoon's governorship in Cuba was viewed in a negative light by many Cuban historians for years thereafter.
A flame or something used to create fire.
A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or coloured flame.
- a Bengal light
A window in architecture, carriage design, or motor car design: either the opening itself or the window pane of glass that fills it, if any.
- This facade has eight south-facing lights.
(crosswording) The series of squares reserved for the answer to a crossword clue.
- The average length of a light on a 15×15 grid is 7 or 8.
(informal) A cross-light in a double acrostic or triple acrostic.
Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.
The power of perception by vision: eyesight (sightedness; vision).
The brightness of the eye or eyes.

verb

(transitive) To start (a fire).
- We lit the fire to get some heat.
(transitive) To set fire to; to set burning.
- She lit her last match.
(transitive) To illuminate; to provide light for when it is dark.
- I used my torch to light the way home through the woods in the night.
- 19th century', Frederic Harrison, The Fortnightly Review One hundred years ago, to have lit this theatre as brilliantly as it is now lighted would have cost, I suppose, fifty pounds.
(intransitive) To become ignited; to take fire.
- This soggy match will not light.
To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.
(transitive, pinball) To make (a bonus) available to be collected by hitting a target, and thus light up the feature light corresponding to that bonus to indicate its availability.
- Light the extra ball by amassing 500 million points in the wizard mode.

adjective

Having little or relatively little actual weight; not heavy; not cumbrous or unwieldy.
- a light load ; a lighter backpack after having removed the books ; light weapons
Having little weight as compared with bulk; of little density or specific gravity.
- feathers and cork are light ; oil is lighter than water
Of short or insufficient weight; weighing less than the legal, standard, or proper amount; clipped or diminished.
- to issue light coin
Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy.
(cooking) Not heavy or soggy; spongy; well raised.
- a light bread ; sponge cake is a light cake
Low in fat, calories, alcohol, salt, etc.
- This light beer still gets you drunk if you have enough of it.
Slight, not forceful or intense; small in amount or intensity.
- a light drizzle//a light rain was falling//a light snow set in
Gentle; having little force or momentum.
- This artist clearly had a light, flowing touch.
Easy to endure or perform.
- light duties around the house
Unimportant, trivial, having little value or significance.
- I made some light comment, and we moved on.
(obsolete) Unchaste, wanton.
Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.
Fast; nimble.
(dated) Easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile.
- a light, vain person; a light mind
Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; lacking dignity or solemnity; frivolous; airy.
- Ogden Nash was a writer of light verse.
Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.
Easily interrupted by stimulation.
- light sleep; light anesthesia
Cheerful.

verb

To find by chance.
- I lit upon a rare book in a second-hand bookseller's.
To stop upon (of eyes or a glance); to notice
(archaic) To alight; to land or come down.
- She fell out of the window but luckily lit on her feet.
- And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.
- 1957, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), The Cat in the Hat And our fish came down, too. He fell into a pot! He said, "Do I like this? Oh, no! I do not. This is not a good game," Said our fish as he lit.