light

Middle English

/lixt/

noun
Definitions
  • The radiation which allows for vision by brightening objects and colours.
  • Illumination in general, or any source thereof.
  • The metaphorical clarity resulting from philosophical or religious ideals such as truth, wisdom, righteousness, etc.
  • Mental or spiritual acuity; the presence of life in a living being.
  • (chemistry) The property of lustre; how shiny a substance is.
  • (religion) Heavenly radiance; glory
  • (architecture) an opening in a wall allowing for the transmission of light; a window.
  • The sense of sight.
  • The state of being easily seen.

Etymology

Inherited from Old English lēoht (light, daylight, world, luminary, power of vision, luminous, beautiful, resplendent, renowned, bright, clear) inherited from *leuht inherited from Proto-Germanic *leuhtą (light) inherited from Proto-Indo-European *lewktom.

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*lewktom

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms