Definition of: illuminate

(i·l′mə·nāt) v. ·nat·ed, ·nat·ing v.t.
1. To give light to; light up.
2. To explain; make clear.
3. To enlighten, as the mind.
4. To make illustrious or resplendent.
5. To decorate with lights.
6. To decorate (a manuscript, letter, etc.) with ornamental borders, figures, etc., of gold or other colors.
—v.i.
7. To light up.
—adjective
1. Lighted up.
2. Obs. Enlightened.
—noun One of the illuminati. [<L illuminatus, pp. of illuminare <in- thoroughly + luminare light <lumen light]