light 1 (l t)n. 1. Physics a. Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye. b. Electromagnetic radiation of any 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 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. A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter. 9. Spiritual awareness; illumination. 10. a. Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question. b. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source: in the light of experience. 11. Public attention; general knowledge: brought the scandal to light. 12. A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect: saw the situation in a different light. 13. Archaic Eyesight. 14. lights One's individual opinions, choices, or standards: acted according to their own lights. 15. A person who inspires or is adored by another: My daughter is the light of my life. 16. A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary: one of the leading lights of the theater. 17. An expression of the eyes: a strange light in her eyes. 18. Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person. 19. The representation of light in art. v. light·ed or lit (l  t), light·ing, lights v.tr. 1. To set on fire; ignite or kindle. 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 or as if with illumination. 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 Phrasal Verb: 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. light up Idioms: 1. To become or cause to become animated or cheerful. 2. To start smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. 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, lht; 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 (lt) 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. Exerting little force or impact; gentle: a light pat. 3. Indistinct; faint: light print that I could barely make out. 4. a. Of little quantity; scanty: 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. 5. Demanding little exertion or effort; not burdensome: light household tasks. 6. Having little importance; insignificant: light, idle chatter. 7. Intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound: a light comedy. 8. Free from worries or troubles; blithe: a light heart. 9. Characterized by frivolity; silly or trivial. 10. Liable to change; fickle. 11. Mildly dizzy or faint: felt light in the head. 12. Lacking in ethical discrimination. 13. Moving easily and quickly; nimble: The dancer was light and graceful. 14. Designed for ease and quickness of movement; having a relatively slim structure and little weight: light aircraft. 15. Designed to carry relatively little weight: a light truck. 16. Carrying little equipment or armament: light cavalry; light tanks. 17. Requiring relatively little equipment and using relatively simple processes to produce consumer goods: light industry. 18. Easily awakened or disturbed: a light sleeper. 19. a. Easily digested: a light supper. b. Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened: light pastries. 20. Having a loose, porous consistency: light soil. 21. Containing a relatively small amount of a potentially harmful ingredient, such as alcohol, fat, or sodium: light beer; light mayonnaise. 22. 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 Phrasal Verbs: 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. light into Informal To attack verbally or physically; assail. light out Informal Idiom: To leave hastily; run off. go light on To treat casually or gingerly. [Middle English, from Old English l oht, lht; see legwh- in Indo-European roots.] |
light into
vb
(intr, preposition) Informal to assail physically or verbally
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